THE public consultation on the draft Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 heard strong calls to retain national referendums and safeguard the independence of national institutions.
Submitting at the Nadi Civic Centre, Alsheik Aashd Ali cautioned against removing referendums, which he described as essential for protecting the civic contract between the public and the state.
Mr Ali said without referendums, future parliaments could alter foundational rights without direct public consent.
“This document, constitution is actually an agreement between me as a public and the state,” he said.
“Maintain national referendum because in a lot of countries like Ecuador and other places, even important questions like whether or not there’s a need to have a military base and things like that, Parliament will not actually ponder upon that.
“It will go through a national referendum.”
Mr Ali also raised concerns over provisions placing the Republic of Fiji Military Forces under direct Cabinet direction, arguing that political control poses risks to security governance.
“In my opinion, cabinet is a politically motivated creature and armed forces in no way should be under the directive because directive is actually an authoritative word and it should not be under the direction of the cabinet.
“Keep the line minister informed and that’s pretty much it.”
Additionally, he opposed provisions allowing Rotuma to become an independent state, arguing it threatens national unity and maritime territory.
“Let’s come up with something that will unite and not divide the nation.”
To enhance citizen access to justice, Mr Ali recommended introducing a public interest litigation system allowing direct recourse to the Supreme Court for human rights violations.
