Rabuka Says Constitution Bill Will Go to Referendum or Die With Parliament

Should the Constitution Amendment Bill gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament, it advances to a public vote, whereas a rejection means it lapses alongside the sitting Parliament.

Addressing worries that certain citizens might have missed out on initial discussions, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified this position. Rabuka delivered these remarks while the Special Parliamentary Committee convened at Tuva Primary School, granting locals another chance to express their opinions regarding the suggested modifications to Fiji’s Constitution.

The outcome of the parliamentary vote will determine the next step in the process. Approval allows the Bill to proceed to a referendum, but if MPs vote against it, the legislation will remain there and die with the current Parliament.

Fiji’s desire to continue reviewing its Constitution will remain even if the current measure fails. Rabuka pointed out that legislators possess the liberty to voice objections and put forward modifications provided they secure adequate backing within the House. The Constitution provides for periodic reviews, allowing the country to revisit its constitutional arrangements in the future.

Attorney-General Sevuloni Valenitabua acted as commissioner for an inquiry that has already been completed. Before reaching Parliament, the findings of the commission were presented to the Cabinet, and the draft legislation has undergone extensive examination.

Sydneyg sitiveni rabuka chairman of the great council of chiefs points to a of

Due to apprehensions that a portion of the population believes their voices went unheard during initial talks, the panel has come back to hold additional dialogue sessions. Before carrying out its standard operational steps and proceedings, the panel will initially receive feedback from the community.

“We agree with the changes and the consultation process, and we are grateful that the Great Council of Chiefs is recognised as lawful,” said Emoni Rokomoce, Mata ni Tikina of Malomalo, who said that he has taken part in the dialogue sessions and kept the tikina updated on the anticipated constitutional updates.

Rokomoce added that the people need the Constitution to be changed.

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