Nine Opposition MPs associated with the People First party abstained from voting as the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 cleared its second reading in Parliament last night.
The Bill secured 38 votes in favour, five against and nine abstentions, while one MP did not vote.
It achieved the required two-thirds majority and will now undergo further scrutiny and public consultation before returning to Parliament.
Those who abstained were Parveen Bala, Hem Chand, Virendra Lal, Alvick Maharaj, Joseph Nand, Vijay Nath, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, Rinesh Sharma and Jone Usamate, according to the voting information provided.
The five MPs who voted against the Bill were Semi Koroilavesau, Faiyaz Koya, Premila Kumar, Ketan Lal and Viam Pillay.
Opposition MP Sanjay Kirpal was recorded as present but did not vote.
During the debate, Bala said participation in the parliamentary process did not mean accepting the contents of the Bill, and raised concerns requiring further discussion.
Seruiratu had earlier told Parliament that constitutional reform must have broad public ownership and be guided by participation, consensus, inclusivity, accountability and transparency.
Following the vote, Parliament approved an 11-member Special Committee to examine the Bill and receive submissions from the public and interested stakeholders.
The committee, chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, has 30 days from the second reading to report its findings and recommendations to Parliament.
The Bill will then return to Parliament for further consideration.
