UNITY Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube has warned that rushing the proposed national referendum in December could undermine the proper consideration of Fiji’s constitutional amendments, describing the proposed December 9 date as a “democratic disaster waiting to happen”.
Mr Narube said the referendum should be deferred until after the next general election to allow more time for the proposed constitutional amendments to be properly explained to the public and for the process to be carried out thoroughly.
“Let us look at the bigger picture,” Mr Narube said.
“There seems to be a rush by the PM to have this referendum irrespective of the significance of the issues, complexity of the exercise and the need to do it properly in accordance with the law.”
He questioned the urgency behind the proposed December referendum and said the country should not have to compromise inclusivity, rigour and transparency because of the Government’s timing.
“My solution is a commonsensical one. Focus on delivering a good national election. We deal with the Constitution after the election to do it well.”
He proposed that the Government use six months after the election to explain the proposed amendments to the public before holding the referendum in July next year.
“The referendum is a huge and complex operation. The work required is no different to a general election. It is humungous.
“But very importantly we must do it well and in accordance with the law. This is the first time that Fiji is doing a national referendum.”
Mr Narube also said Unity Fiji opposed the proposed extension of immunity, citing similar opposition from the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
