The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has called on the Government to withdraw the proposed 2026 Constitution, warning that the constitutional reform process is diverting attention from pressing issues affecting ordinary Fijians.
FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali said the Government should take seriously the concerns raised during public consultations and return with a proposal that genuinely reflects Fiji’s democracy and the aspirations of its people.
“You cannot claim to be strengthening democracy while losing sight of the very people democracy is meant to serve. Withdraw the draft, listen to the people, and focus on the realities they are facing now,” Ms Ali said.
She said Fijians were already struggling with rising living costs, poverty, pressure on health services and unreliable access to essential services, including water.
Ms Ali also highlighted growing environmental challenges, including El Niño conditions, which were placing additional pressure on families and communities.
She questioned the Government’s priorities at a time when many households were finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs.
“This constitutional change is consuming the national conversation while urgent economic, social and environmental pressures continue to affect families and communities,” she said.
“This almost seems, deliberate to distract people from the real issues.”
The FWCC said the everyday struggles of Fijians should remain a priority for the Government, particularly as families grappled with increasing financial pressures and difficulties accessing essential services.
The organisation maintained that constitutional reform must involve meaningful public engagement rather than simply proceeding with the current draft.
It called for a process that genuinely considers public feedback, respects the diversity of views across Fiji and strengthens confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
The FWCC also stressed that any new Constitution must protect and uphold the universal human rights of all people.
The organisation urged the Government to reconsider its approach, listen to concerns already expressed by Fijians and ensure that any future constitutional proposal reflects the needs and aspirations of the wider population.
