SODELPA leader Aseri Radrodro says the party will vote against the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 because it wants the 2013 Constitution removed entirely, rather than amended.
Mr Radrodro said SODELPA had promised voters it would remove the Constitution introduced under the former Fiji First government.
He said Bill 32 retained provisions the party considered unacceptable, particularly the immunity provisions under Chapter 14.
Mr Radrodro said Clause 206 continued to provide immunity from civil, criminal and other liability for specified individuals and public officers for government actions dating from December 5, 2006, until the first sitting of the newly elected Parliament.
He also raised concerns about Clause 207, which entrenches the immunity provisions and restricts court challenges relating to them.
Mr Radrodro argued that retaining these provisions would perpetuate injustice against former prime minister Laisenia Qarase, civil servants, workers and members of the public who were allegedly victimised during the 16 years of the Fiji First government.
“SODELPA wants the 2013 Constitution out totally and make no mistake of that,” he said.
He said SODELPA’s special general meeting had directed its parliamentarians to vote against the Bill.
Mr Radrodro said the party opposed further coups and instability and would continue to act within the law.
