EDUCATION Minister and SODELPA leader Aseri Radrodro has welcomed the extension of time for consultations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, calling for the parliamentary committee to also engage communities in Naitasiri.
He said there had been minimal or no consultation in the province and it was important for people there to fully understand the contents of the Bill 32.
He said SODELPA acknowledged the Government’s efforts to advance the constitutional review process and thanked the Prime Minister for allowing more time.
“It is very important, and I would also recommend that the committee needs to continue the consultation with the community, the people, especially in the province of Naitasiri,” he said.
Mr Radrodro said SODELPA had written to the Prime Minister on October 30 outlining concerns raised by party members and members of the public.
He said the party supported reviewing and changing the 2013 Constitution as part of the coalition manifesto.
“We hope that the final version will be tabled in this House will also accommodate the recommendations that the party had put through in this letter dated October 30, 2026, to the honourable Prime Minister that was delivered on Saturday at the Parliament House during the Parliament sitting.”
He said the extended timeframe would provide an opportunity for further public engagement and allow the committee to consider the concerns raised.
“The Bill 32 in its current form was not supported by the Social Democratic Liberal Party.
“And we have raised some issues, and also including the timing. And it is very important, and I would also recommend that the committee needs to continue the consultation with the community.”
