The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has made nine key submission to the Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026.
The submission, delivered by RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai, calls for stronger constitutional safeguards covering accountability, elections, human rights, military powers and judicial independence.
Among its major recommendations, the RFMF proposes replacing Chapter 14 with a Truth, Accountability and Reconciliation Commission, where protection would only be granted following full disclosure and would exclude the gravest crimes.
The military also recommends preventing the proposed Constitution from coming into force during an election and requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority before Parliament’s term can be extended.
On military accountability, the submission calls for a constitutional obligation on every soldier to refuse manifestly unlawful orders and parliamentary oversight of internal military deployments.
The RFMF further recommends removing the chastisement proviso to strengthen protections for children and persons with disabilities, while applying a consistent test to limitations on constitutional rights.
Other recommendations include retaining the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), ensuring a balanced Constitutional Offices Commission and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.
The submission also seeks confirmation of the lawful procedure for adopting constitutional changes and the correction of drafting errors identified in its annexes.
