Opposition MP Jone Usamate has questioned the Government’s plan to have a completely new Constitution ready by September, warning that the process appears to be moving away from the legal requirements set out by the Constitution and the Supreme Court.
Usamate said while some may view the accelerated work as an effort to fulfil an election promise, constitutional reform must follow the law.
“The announcement that a completely new constitution could be ready by September has raised serious alarm. It suggests a process that is drifting far away from the legal pathways that every government is required to follow.”
He said the Supreme Court had already clarified the process that must be followed in relation to the 2013 Constitution.
“The Constitution sets out how changes must be made, and the Supreme Court has already clarified the steps that must be followed for the 2013 Constitution. Those steps are not optional.”
Usamate also criticised recent comments by the Acting Attorney-General, saying they raised concerns that the Government may be seeking to bypass the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“The recent comments from the Acting Attorney General only deepen the concern. They create the impression that the government may be preparing to move around the very procedures the Supreme Court has already ruled on.”
He warned that if this was the Government’s intention, it would amount to more than a procedural issue.
“If that is the direction being taken, then it is not just a misunderstanding of process. It is a direct challenge to constitutional legality.”
Usamate said the country was still waiting for a revised referendum bill to be introduced after the previous proposal drew widespread criticism.
“The country is still waiting to see when a proper referendum bill will be brought to Parliament.”
He said the earlier bill contained provisions that would have restricted civic participation and public discussion and was rejected by legal experts, civil society organisations and human rights groups.
Usamate argued that replacing the Constitution should not be treated as a routine exercise.
“The government appears ready to push through an entirely new constitution, not a small amendment but a full replacement, and to do so as if it were a routine administrative task.”
He questioned whether the Acting Attorney-General fully understood the constitutional responsibilities of the office.
“The Attorney General is meant to be the independent legal voice that guides Parliament on how the law must be interpreted.”
Usamate warned that constitutional reform must remain grounded in the rule of law rather than political expediency.
“A constitution cannot be reshaped through political enthusiasm or convenience. It must be upheld through lawful, transparent, and democratic processes.”
