Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission has recommended redefining the constitutional role of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to affirm the primacy of democratic civilian authority and focus the military on external defence.
The recommendation is among a series of proposed changes to Chapters 3 and 6 of the 2013 Constitution.
The Commission recommends amending the constitutional provision governing the military to make clear that its primary focus should be external defence.
Under the proposal, the RFMF could provide domestic aid to civil authorities only when authorised by Parliament.
The Commission also recommends retaining the Commander’s executive command of the RFMF while explicitly providing that this authority is subject to the direction of Cabinet through the minister responsible for the military.
The proposed changes would alter the constitutional framing of the RFMF’s responsibilities under the 2013 Constitution. Section 131 currently provides that the RFMF has overall responsibility to ensure “at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians”.
The Commission has also proposed standardising the appointment process across Fiji’s disciplined forces.
Under its recommendation, the heads of the Police, Corrections and RFMF would be appointed by the President on the advice of an independent Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), following consultation with the minister responsible for the respective force.
The report also recommends establishing a Military Court equivalent in status to the High Court, with independent judicial processes and protections for accused military personnel under the Bill of Rights.
Other institutional reforms proposed by the Commission include strengthening the independence of the Public Service Commission, particularly in the appointment and removal of Permanent Secretaries, and merging the Electoral Commission and Fijian Elections Office into a single electoral body.
The recommendations remain proposals contained in the Constitution Review Commission report and would require constitutional changes before taking effect.
