AN interim government should remain in office until Fiji has a new constitution, the special committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was told this week.
Salesi Vukiduadua, of Naivicula, Naloto in Tailevu made the call during public consultations at Wailotua No. 1 Village on Wednesday, while warning that the constitutional process should not be rushed with an election approaching.
He also called for the reintroduction of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), saying it would provide iTaukei people with stronger representation.
He said there were discrepancies in how communities accessed Government.
“Other races go through advisory councils and direct to the minister (responsible), but villagers go through village headmen, provincial meetings, government officials, then the minister,” he said.
He said the process made it difficult for villagers to have their concerns heard at the highest level.
Mr Vukiduadua also raised concerns about the treatment of people involved in the 2000 coup.
“So many differences in the laws that abide to coup makers or those that participated in the 2000 coup, like Eliki Naitini aka George Speight.
“One of our sons, even though he has been released, he still carries with him that stigma everywhere he goes. We request that the same treatment be given to all.”
