FIJI’S Draft Constitution is now with the Government for consideration after the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) formally handed over its report and proposed Constitution to the President yesterday.
The commission spent almost six months consulting nationwide, visiting 105 venues, receiving 1220 submissions and hearing from 3873 people.
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu stressed that receiving the report does not mean its recommendations have been accepted.
He said the proposals must still go through the required constitutional, government, parliamentary and democratic processes.
“Today marks an important milestone in Fiji’s continuing constitutional and democratic journey,” Ratu Naiqama said.
He said the review should not be seen as a rejection of the 2013 Constitution, but as an opportunity to preserve what continued to serve the country well, strengthen areas that could be improved and address provisions that may no longer meet Fiji’s democratic aspirations.
“It belongs to the people, and because it belongs to the people, the people must have a meaningful place in considering its future.”
CRC chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua said the draft Constitution was forward-looking and aimed to improve State services and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.
“It is forward-looking, it recognises our nation’s multiracialism,” he said.
Ratu Naiqama has called for national discussions to be approached with open minds, maturity and respect for differing views while upholding the rule of law, peace and national unity.
