THE Fiji Law Society (FLS) has criticised the constitutional review process, saying inadequate time for public consultation has undermined trust and the legitimacy of the exercise.
FLS president Graham Leung said the distribution of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 for public consideration and comment had been rushed, leaving little opportunity for meaningful participation.
“A two-hour consultation in Suva and a two-hour consultation in Lautoka was hopelessly inadequate,” Mr Leung said in a statement.
He acknowledged the pressure on the Government from the parliamentary calendar and the approaching general election but said an earlier start to the review could have avoided the current time constraints.
Mr Leung said the limited consultation period had contributed to public distrust, with comments from members of the public reflecting concerns about the process.
The society said the constitutional review presented an important opportunity to strengthen Fiji’s constitutional framework while preserving stability, continuity and national cohesion.
“The present constitutional review provides an important opportunity to strengthen Fiji’s constitutional settlement while preserving the stability, continuity and national cohesion upon which effective constitutional government depends.”
The FLS said reforms should be guided by constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, equality before the law, democratic accountability and judicial and institutional independence.
It also highlighted civilian supremacy, the protection of fundamental and customary rights, responsible government and respect for Fiji’s social, cultural and historical foundations.
The society warned that insufficient time for public participation risked weakening confidence in the review process.
