Supreme Court of Fiji will hold a full-day hearing of the crucial constitutional reference hearing brought by the Cabinet, focused on interpreting sections 159 and 160 of the 2013 Constitution.
These provisions govern how constitutional amendments are made, specifically addressing whether changes can only occur via supermajority in Parliament and a referendum.
Today the court will hear submissions from Fiji Labour Party, Unity Fiji Party, Fiji Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Commission and Fiji Law Society.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo presides over a full bench consisting of Justices Terence Arnold, Lowell Goddard, William Young, Robert French, and Isikeli Mataitoga.
Yesterday, Australian barrister Bret Walker, representing the State, emphasised that constitutional amendment powers must reflect democratic will and uphold parliamentary authority.
He criticised the 2013 Constitution’s “double entrenchment” mechanism that requires both a three-quarters parliamentary supermajority and a referendum to change the Constitution.
To promote openness, the Court is livestreaming proceedings.
The bench is aiming to deliver its final judgment by 5 September 2025.