The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has accused the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) of deliberately undermining its influence in the Coalition Government by bringing 11 former FijiFirst MPs into its parliamentary ranks.
In a strongly worded statement responding to PAP general secretary Sila Balawa, SODELPA general secretary Levi Vere rejected suggestions that his party had abandoned its commitment to constitutional reform.
“Let us be entirely clear to the people of Fiji and to our loyal voters: SODELPA’s struggle for true democratic reform did not start yesterday, and it will not be sold out today.”
Mr Vere claimed the decision to accommodate the G11 Independents was politically motivated rather than necessary to secure parliamentary support.
“Bringing in the G11 was a political choice by PAP, to try and undermine SODELPA’s influence in the Coalition Government. It was not a democratic necessity.”
He also accused PAP of failing to honour commitments made when the coalition was formed, including an alleged agreement concerning the Presidency.
Mr Vere said SODELPA would not support the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 in its current form because of concerns over immunity provisions, indigenous resource rights and proposed emergency powers.
He questioned Sections 200, 201 and 202, claiming they could allow the Government to extend Parliament’s term during a national emergency.
He also criticised the proposed retention of immunity provisions, arguing that they would continue protecting former political leaders from accountability.
“We cannot build a genuine democracy by preserving the very legal armor designed by past dictators to escape justice.”
Mr Vere raised concerns about provisions affecting the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and mineral ownership, arguing that indigenous rights required stronger constitutional protection.
He also accused the Government of prioritising constitutional changes while Fiji faced drug-related crime, rising HIV cases and increasing living costs.
“The people of Fiji deserve immediate action on safety and survival, not constitutional escape routes for politicians.”
Mr Vere maintained that SODELPA remained committed to replacing the 2013 Constitution but would not automatically endorse the Government’s proposed alternative.
“Having the numbers to pass a law does not make that law right.”
He said constitutional reform required genuine public participation rather than relying solely on parliamentary numbers.
SODELPA’s statement follows criticism from PAP over its decision to oppose the Bill at its third reading in its present form.
The allegations against PAP and the Government are Mr Vere’s claims, and no response from PAP was included in the statement.
