THE National Federation Party (NFP) has called on the Government to suspend the current constitutional amendment process and continue it after the next general election, saying a three-week extension will not address public concerns about a rushed review.
NFP leader and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad told Parliament yesterday that more time was needed to build national consensus and ensure any new Constitution enjoyed widespread public acceptance.
He said the party supported constitutional reform but believed the process needed broader consultation, debate and consensus to ensure the legitimacy of any new Constitution.
“Even if we extend this for another three weeks, leaving aside this week, the issue of the time, the rushed implementation, the perception is not going to change,” he said.
Professor Prasad said the initial plan to give the committee only two days to prepare its report before Parliament debated and voted on the Bill had made the NFP uncomfortable.
He warned that public perceptions of a rushed process could undermine the acceptance of a new Constitution.
“If the perception out there amongst the people is that this process is being rushed, then despite all the good things in the draft constitution, the legitimacy of the new constitution could become a serious issue.”
Professor Prasad acknowledged the work already undertaken by the committee but urged the Government to continue constitutional discussions after the election.
“As I said to the honourable Prime Minister, who is the chairman of the Special Committee in my letter, that it would be very good, and we would have listened to the people by not imposing this timeline and we continue this process after the general election.
“Yes, the composition of Parliament may change, different players in different political parties. But I think the consensus, even from the opposition side, honourable Leader of the Opposition is on record to say that the 2013 Constitution needs to change.”
The NFP leader said the party would not support the motion to bring the report back in three weeks for debate and voting.
