National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad has told Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka that political interests must not take precedence over the interests of the people as the party formally confirms its opposition to the Constitution Amendment Bill.
In a letter dated October 30, Prof Prasad said the NFP’s decision to vote against the Bill was guided by its responsibility to the people of Fiji rather than the political interests of the coalition partners.
“In the end, we must all do the right thing by our people, not our narrow political interests,” he said.
“This is the belief which has informed our position on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill.”
Prof Prasad said he had written directly to the Prime Minister out of respect for the political partnership established between their parties four years ago.
“I trust that you will understand that, in writing to you to inform you of NFP’s position, I have tried to respect the partnership on which our parties began four years ago, in the belief that the best interests of our people demanded it.”
He confirmed that the NFP would not support the Bill at its third reading and would direct its Members of Parliament to vote against it.
“We do not believe Fiji’s people are ready for this Bill to be enacted. NFP will accordingly not support the Bill on its third reading and will direct its Members of Parliament to vote against it.”
The party intends to publicly announce its position this weekend.
Prof Prasad said the decision followed consideration of public views expressed during the Special Committee consultations, the party’s own direct engagements and discussions across mainstream and social media.
He also raised concerns about the exclusion of opposition parties from the Constitution Review Committee process, despite an earlier request for their inclusion.
“There has been no proper engagement with the opposition who, unfortunately, were left out of the Constitution Review Committee process despite my request to you, in my letter dated 9th December 2025 that they be included,” he said.
“As a result, the opposition parties have no stake in the document and no incentive to support it. If anything, because they were excluded from the initial process, they are suspicious of it.”
Prof Prasad stressed that the NFP remained committed to replacing the 2013 Constitution, which he described as divisive and undemocratic.
However, he warned against repeating the mistakes of the past by rushing through constitutional changes without sufficient public understanding and participation.
“We support the replacement of the 2013 Constitution, which is a divisive and undemocratic document. However, in replacing it, we cannot repeat the mistakes that were made when the 2013 Constitution was imposed.”
He said Fiji needed a proper, deliberate and unrushed process in which citizens could fully understand the proposed Constitution, seek changes through their elected representatives and make an informed decision in a referendum.
“That process must take the time it needs. That cannot be done before the next General Election.”
Prof Prasad urged the People’s Alliance Party to reconsider its position and withdraw the Bill from parliamentary consideration until after the next general election.
“For this reason, NFP urges PA to consider a similar position and to withdraw the Bill from consideration until after the General Election.”
Despite the disagreement, Prof Prasad expressed hope that the two coalition partners could continue working together on constitutional reform.
“I am hopeful that the People’s Alliance Party will come to the same conclusion and that we can go forward together in a less rushed and more organised, accountable and democratic process of constitutional reform next year.”
