The Supreme Court will today deliver a landmark ruling on the interpretation of the 2013 Constitution.
Initiated by the Cabinet under Section 91(5), the case examined the interpretation of Sections 159 and 160, which mandate a stringent “double supermajority” (75% of Parliament and registered voters) for constitutional changes, and the legal status of the abrogated 1997 Constitution.
The six-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Salesi Temo and including international jurists like Justice Robert French, heard diverse submissions.
State counsel Bret Walker SC argued some provisions are unamendable, while the Fiji Law Society, represented by Arthur Moses SC, defended the 2013 Constitution’s validity, cautioning against judicial overreach.
The People’s Alliance and Unity Fiji pushed for reinstating the 1997 Constitution, labeling the 2013 document as imposed under a military regime.
The Fiji Human Rights Commission echoed calls for reform, citing lack of public consent.
The court’s advisory opinion today is expected to address Fiji’s ongoing struggle to balance legal stability with demands for inclusive governance.
The ruling is set for 2:30pm.