The review of Fiji’s Constitution will be conducted lawfully, transparently and with meaningful public participation, Minister for Justice and acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga told Parliament yesterday.
“A Constitution is not an ordinary statute. It is the supreme law and establishes the architecture of the State,” Mr Turaga said.
“It distributes power, protects rights and defines the relationship between the people and the government.”
Highlighting the importance of the review process, he said Fiji had gone through four successive constitutions, each reflecting “the aspirations, tensions and compromises of its time,” demonstrating that constitutionalism in Fiji “had always been a work in progress”.
Mr Turaga said the intention to review the Constitution did not emerge overnight.
“It has been a process unfolding through national conversation, institutional engagement, and lawful processes over several years.”
He acknowledged the growing civic engagement on constitutional issues, pointing to public forums hosted by institutions such as the Fiji National University, in partnership with the Australian National University, which explored constitutional change over the past two years.
“Even within this August House, we have not shied away from confronting the question of constitutional review.
“Last year we debated and voted on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025. That Bill did not secure the required majority, but its introduction demonstrated something important and that is that elected representatives were prepared to engage directly with constitutional questions where they believed reform was necessary. Democracy was allowed to function. We debated. We voted. And we respected the outcome.”
Mr Turaga emphasised that the Government followed proper legal channels when constitutional questions arose, referring matters to the Supreme Court.
He said the Government had established a Constitution Review Commission and a Cabinet Subcommittee to oversee the process, while a draft National Referendum Bill 2025 had been prepared to ensure any future constitutional amendments are conducted in accordance with the law.
“Let me reassure this August House and the people of Fiji: any amendment process will be lawful, transparent and consultative, and be guided at all times by the national interest.
“The Government will be responsible and honest.
“It will follow the law, the Constitution, and the decision of the Supreme Court of Fiji delivered on the constitutional reference last year.”
l Editorial Comment: P8
