Fiji’s proposed 2026 Draft Constitution would establish a National Security Council chaired by the Prime Minister, bringing together government, opposition and security officials to advise on national security matters.
Under the proposed provision, the Council would include the Prime Minister and ministers responsible for Defence, Foreign Affairs, Police, Public Safety, Home Affairs, Health, Communications, Disaster Management and Social Protection.
Significantly, the Leader of the Opposition, or a nominee, would also sit on the National Security Council.
The Council would further include the chairperson of a parliamentary committee responsible for defence, national security, public safety or related matters.
The Commissioner of Police and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces would be members of the Council but would serve in non-voting advisory roles.
The Draft Constitution also allows additional members to be appointed through legislation.
The proposed Council has a key role under other provisions of the Draft Constitution dealing with national emergencies. Cabinet would be able to declare a state of emergency only on the recommendation of the National Security Council, provided the constitutional requirements for such a declaration are met.
The proposed structure would therefore give elected government responsibility for national security decisions while providing formal advisory roles for Fiji’s Police Commissioner and military commander.
The provisions form part of the 2026 Draft Constitution released with the Constitution Review Report and remain proposals rather than current law.
