Every generation inherits a nation; few are given the opportunity to help shape its constitutional future. Right now, in our beloved Fiji, we are one of those fortunate generations.
The work currently being undertaken by the Fiji Constitution Review Commission is much more than a legal exercise. It presents a rare opportunity for a national conversation about the kind of country we hope Fiji will become, not only for ourselves, but for our children, our grandchildren, and generations yet unborn.
As Fiji reflects on its constitutional future, our discussion has understandably focused on what should change. Yet before deciding what should change, perhaps we should first ask a more fundamental question: What constitutional principles should guide constitutional change?
That was the question that guided my recent submission to the Commission. Rather than approaching constitutional reform as an article-by-article review of the current Constitution, I sought to present a long-term constitutional vision for Fiji over the next fifty to one hundred years, a vision built upon five enduring constitutional principles.
National unity
THE first principle is national unity.
The Constitution should reinforce a simple but profound idea: every citizen belongs equally to Fiji.
Our diversity is one of our greatest national strengths. The Constitution should continue to honour the unique place of the indigenous iTaukei people as the First Peoples of Fiji while strengthening a shared civic identity that enables every citizen to feel an equal sense of belonging to our Republic.
Seen through this lens, questions relating to the Great Council of Chiefs, a common civic identity, equal citizenship and the secular character of the State are not isolated constitutional debates. They are different expressions of one larger objective: strengthening the unity of the nation while respecting the diversity that enriches it.
Representative government
The second principle is representative government.
Democracy should not simply mean electing governments. It should mean ensuring that people genuinely feel represented within the institutions that govern them.
As an ocean State comprising many islands and communities, Fiji should always be willing to consider whether our constitutional arrangements bring government sufficiently close to the people. This was the thinking behind my invitation to explore a uniquely Fijian model of cooperative federalism, a more representative Parliament, and a People’s Chamber dedicated to constitutional reflection and legislative review.
These ideas are not about weakening the State. They are about strengthening democracy by ensuring that every district (tikina), province (yasana), division or region and every community have a meaningful voice in the constitutional life of the Republic.
Constitutional stability
The third principle is constitutional stability.
No Constitution can eliminate political disagreement. Nor should it attempt to. Democratic societies will always experience differences of opinion.
The true measure of a Constitution is whether it creates institutions capable of resolving those differences peacefully, democratically and within the rule of law.
It was from this perspective that I invited consideration of different constitutional arrangements for executive leadership, including a directly elected President exercising authority within a strong framework of constitutional accountability, supported by an independent Parliament, Judiciary and other constitutional institutions.
Strong democracies are not built by concentrating power. They are built by strengthening the legitimacy, accountability and resilience of the institutions through which power is exercised.
Inclusive democracy
The fourth principle is inclusive democracy.
The strength of a democracy is measured not only by the institutions it establishes, but by the extent to which citizens see themselves reflected within those institutions.
Women, young people and every community that contributes to the life of our nation should have meaningful opportunities to participate in public leadership.
Inclusive democracy is not about lowering standards or replacing merit. It is about ensuring that talent, integrity and public service can emerge from every part of Fiji. A stronger democracy is one in which every young Fijian can believe that public leadership is open to them.
Stewardship for future generations
The fifth and final principle is stewardship.
Constitutions are written by one generation but inherited by many others. We therefore have a responsibility to think beyond ourselves.
For Fiji, stewardship extends beyond our democratic institutions. It includes our oceans, our land, our environment, our cultures and our shared heritage. It also reminds us that no Constitution should ever be regarded as beyond thoughtful improvement.
That is why I suggested that Fiji consider a 25-year periodic constitutional review, not because a Constitution has failed, but because every generation should have the opportunity to reflect upon whether its constitutional institutions continue to serve the nation well.
Constitutional renewal, when undertaken thoughtfully and peacefully, is itself a sign of constitutional maturity.
Looking beyond ourselves
Reasonable people will undoubtedly disagree with some of these ideas. Indeed, they should. Constitution-making is not about unanimous agreement. It is about thoughtful national conversation.
The Commission has been entrusted with a responsibility that extends well beyond the present generation. It has an opportunity not merely to recommend constitutional amendments, but to help shape the constitutional foundations upon which future generations will build their lives.
Political leaders are elected for years. Constitutions should be written for generations.
As citizens, we should therefore resist the temptation to ask only what Constitution suits us today.
Instead, we should ask a more enduring question: What Constitution will our grandchildren thank us for? If this constitutional review encourages us to think in those terms, it will already have made an important contribution to Fiji’s future.
For a Constitution is more than a legal document. It is a covenant between generations. It expresses not only who we are, but who we aspire to become.
My hope is that Fiji’s next Constitution will enable every citizen to belong, every institution to serve, and every generation to leave Fiji stronger than it found it.
This opinion is adapted from a personal submission made to the Fiji Constitution Review Commission as part of its public consultation process. The views expressed are entirely my own.
