FORMER Parliamentarian Niko Nawaikula is calling for a caretaker government to oversee Fiji’s transition to a new Constitution, warning that the country could spend an estimated $80million on two general elections if voters approve the new Constitution but the country still holds an election under the 2013 Constitution.
Presenting a joint submission on behalf of “Stand With Niko” Advocacy and Lavetia na Vanua yesterday, Mr Nawaikula said the Constitution Amendment Bill was set for March 31, 2028 as the proposed commencement date for the new Constitution.
He argued that if voters approve the new Constitution in the proposed December 9, 2026 referendum, Fiji could still hold a general election under the existing 2013 Constitution before the new framework takes effect.
“Why are we still living under a constitution we just voted out,” he said.
Mr Nawaikula proposed that the current Parliament end under clearly defined transitional arrangements, followed by a caretaker government with a strictly limited mandate to put the necessary arrangements in place, rather than allowing the country to continue under the existing constitutional framework.
He said an independent constitutional implementation commission should work with the caretaker government and electoral authorities to prepare the new electoral system, constituencies, institutions and necessary legislation.
Mr Nawaikula argued that the transition should respect the outcome of the referendum and avoid the cost of conducting two elections within a relatively short period.
He urged the committee to amend the bill’s transitional provisions to allow Fiji to move towards an election under the new Constitution.
