FIJI’S constitutional future must not be dictated by politicians, political parties or institutions, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says, stressing that ordinary citizens must remain at the heart of any constitutional reform process.
Ratu Naiqama said the Constitution was too important to be controlled by any single institution.
“Not a single individual or no single institution should own Fiji’s constitutional future,” he said.
“A constitution is too important for that.”
He said the Constitution belonged to the people and citizens must have a meaningful opportunity to determine its future.
“The constitution therefore belongs not merely to lawyers, judges, politicians, or public officials. It belongs to the people.”
He said the presentation of the report should not bring the public conversation to an end.
“Our people must remain participants in constitutional reform, not become observers of decisions made on their behalf.”
Ratu Naiqama called for transparency and civic education if constitutional amendments were proposed, saying people must understand what was changing, why it was being changed and what the consequences could be.
“It will require time for citizens to think, ask questions, and make informed decisions.”
He said the credibility of any final outcome would depend not only on the amendments themselves but on the integrity of the process used to develop them.
