The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has called for stricter moral and integrity standards for the country’s Head of State, as part of its submission to the Constitution Review Commission.
FCOSS made the submission on Friday, April 24, highlighting what it described as the need to bridge the gap between constitutional promises and the lived realities of communities across Fiji.
In a statement, the organisation said its presentation, delivered by Vice President Laitia Rika, focused on strengthening the role of the Head of State as a unifying national figure.
“We strongly propose setting higher moral standards as prerequisites for this vital role, as the Head of State represents the moral and unifying figure of our nation,” the statement said.
Among the key recommendations, FCOSS is calling for constitutional requirements to ensure that any person appointed as Head of State has no serious criminal history, no record of misconduct relating to sexual exploitation and abuse, and no involvement in coups.
“Our submission calls for constitutional requirements ensuring the Head of State has no criminal convictions resulting in a term of imprisonment of twelve months or more, no past complaints regarding the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and no involvement in coups,” the organisation stated.
FCOSS said these measures are necessary to strengthen public trust and uphold national values.
“We believe that establishing these standards is essential for fostering a society built on integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” it said.
The organisation added that it will release the full submission in due course and encouraged continued public engagement in the constitutional review process.
“Let us continue to work together to ensure our Constitution truly reflects the values of ‘We the People’,” the statement said.
