The Constitution Review Commission has recommended retaining “Fijian” as the common national identity for an interim period, while proposing a formal process to seek broader consensus over its long-term use.
The Commission said the use of “Fijian” was a point of contention during its public consultations, with significant submissions from Indigenous Fijian communities calling for the term to be reserved for Indigenous people registered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula.
According to the report, alternatives proposed for non-Indigenous citizens included “Fiji citizens”, “Fiji Islanders” and “Fiji nationals”.
The Commission, however, highlighted the importance of a common and equal citizenship and noted what it described as growing acceptance of “Fijian” among generations of citizens, including those living overseas.
At the same time, it acknowledged concerns about how the common identity was originally introduced.
“The Commission also recognised the hurt caused by the lack of initial consultation with Indigenous Fijians, and by the failure to engage proper cultural protocols,” the report states.
It said many Indigenous Fijians who participated in consultations indicated they were not necessarily opposed to sharing the name.
“Indeed, many Indigenous Fijians who spoke to the Commission said they did not mind sharing the name, but would have liked to have been asked,” the report states.
Rather than recommending an immediate change, the Commission proposes retaining “Fijian” temporarily while establishing a constitutionally prescribed process involving the State, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and civil society.
That process would be inclusive, structured and culturally informed, with the aim of building consensus and ultimately reaching a settlement on Fiji’s national identity.
The Commission said differing views remained on how such an agreement should be reached, but expressed the view that a common identity could develop through sustained dialogue based on shared aspirations and values while recognising Fiji’s diversity.
The recommendation remains a proposal and does not itself change the existing constitutional position.
