President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has urged Fiji’s legal community to focus on transparency and inclusiveness as the nation embarks on crucial constitutional reforms. Speaking at the Attorney General’s Conference in Nadi, he underscored the necessity of shaping these reforms through the voices of the people. He pointed out that Fiji’s previous four constitutions have had difficulty achieving broad acceptance, highlighting the need for a solid national foundation.
Ratu Naiqama stressed that genuine public ownership of the new Constitution can only emerge from meaningful and inclusive dialogue across the country, rather than superficial consultations. He stated, “Let us not have constitutional consultations merely to tick a box. The people should be heard at every stage—from the beginning, including the preparation of the terms of reference, the appointment of members of the Constitutional Review Commission, and the formulation of consultation documents through public hearings.”
The President advocated for a collaborative approach between the Attorney General’s Office and the Great Council of Chiefs throughout the review process. He expressed optimism that this partnership would encourage a robust public discourse, ultimately leading to a Constitution that accurately reflects the aspirations of the Fijian populace. Ratu Naiqama’s call for engagement and inclusivity signals a hopeful shift toward a more participatory governance style in Fiji’s constitutional reform journey, suggesting that progress is within reach.