Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has warned that constitutional reforms must not be rushed for political convenience, stressing that meaningful public consultation and national consensus are essential to the legitimacy of any changes.
Mr Seruiratu, who is also a member of Parliament’s Special Constitution Review Committee, said the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 presented an important opportunity for national reflection but required careful examination.
“Constitutional reform should neither be rushed for political convenience nor resisted merely for political advantage,” he said.
“It must be approached with openness, patience, sound judgement and a willingness to build the broadest possible national consensus.”
Mr Seruiratu said every Fijian deserved a fair opportunity to understand the proposed amendments, the reasons behind them and their potential impact on future generations.
He stressed that public consultation should not simply be a formality.
“Public consultation must therefore be more than a procedural requirement. It must be an opportunity for the people to influence the outcome.”
He said the legitimacy of a constitution depended not only on the legal process through which it was adopted but also on public confidence and acceptance.
“The legitimacy of a Constitution rests not only on the legal process through which it is adopted, but also on the confidence, understanding and acceptance of the people it is intended to serve.”
Mr Seruiratu said the significance of the proposed changes demanded a genuine willingness to listen to differing views.
He urged political leaders to put aside political considerations and approach the review process with patience and sound judgement.
“We owe it to the people of Fiji, and particularly to our children and future generations, to get this right.”
He said the review was about more than simply amending the country’s supreme law.
“This is not simply about changing the Constitution. It is about strengthening the foundations of our democracy, protecting the rights of our people and shaping the kind of nation we wish to become.”
Mr Seruiratu called on political leaders to recognise their responsibility to future generations.
“Let us approach this responsibility not merely as political leaders, but as custodians of Fiji’s future — guided by wisdom, mutual respect, national unity and an unwavering commitment to the common good.”
