PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has firmly defended his Coalition Government’s push to amend Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, insisting parliamentary reform remains the only viable path forward despite over a decade under the document.
Addressing criticism that the move lacks genuine democratic principles and aims to favour his administration in future elections, Mr Rabuka maintained that participating in democratic processes was essential to reshape the legal framework.
“We accepted that it was the law at the time, but then we came in with the primary objective of the parties,” he said.
“We were going to start the movement for the amendment of the 2013 Constitution because we believe that it was not promulgated by the people, it was not accepted by the people.”
Mr Rabuka said that contesting power under the law provided necessary legitimacy.
“But the fact that we had gone through three elections has sort of given it a degree of acceptance.
“So we had to go in to be able to defeat it or change it and the only way to do it is from within Parliament, and that’s what we have done.”
Mr Rabuka emphasised that legal frameworks must evolve alongside changing societal needs.
Meanwhile, constitutional law expert Professor Anthony Regan warned on August 1, 2024, during a leadership seminar at Fiji National University, that leaving the framework intact leaves the nation vulnerable to future regimes overriding human rights or stacking accountability institutions.
Prof Regan clarified that Section 131(2) gives the military no guardianship role over the Constitution, stressing oversight strictly belongs to courts.
Additional questions have been sent to Prof Regan pending a response.
