Rotuma would be given a constitutional pathway to begin a process towards becoming an independent state under Fiji’s proposed 2026 Draft Constitution.
The provision allows the Rotuma Island Council (RIC), following consultation with the Rotuman people, to unanimously resolve to initiate discussions with the Fiji Government on the possibility of independence.
Such a resolution would allow the RIC to formally notify Government and enter into good-faith consultations. However, initiating the process would not automatically result in independence.
Under the Draft Constitution, Rotuma could only become independent if several conditions were met, including a cooperative consultation process and the formal agreement of the Fiji Government.
A referendum would also have to be conducted to determine the majority view of the Rotuman people, while at least two-thirds of RIC members would have to vote in favour of independence.
Finally, Fiji’s Constitution itself would have to be amended before Rotuma could become an independent state.
The draft also proposes significant internal self-government powers for Rotuma. The RIC would be responsible for Rotuma’s internal government and administration and the welfare of its inhabitants.
Its proposed powers include making laws and regulations covering peace, order and good governance, internal revenue raising and the management of Rotuman land and associated territorial and archipelagic waters and their resources.
The RIC would also have responsibilities for protecting and transmitting Rotuman language, culture, customs, traditions and heritage.
Significantly, Government decisions on legislation, policy or development applying to Rotuma would be subject to the free, prior and informed consent of the Rotuman people, with the RIC determining whether that consent had been obtained.
The State would also be required to provide adequate funding for the RIC to exercise its functions and support infrastructure and other development agreed to by the Council.
The provisions are contained in the 2026 Draft Constitution released with the Constitution Review Report and remain proposals rather than law.
