In a recent address at the National Federation Party (NFP) Convention held at the Labasa Civic Centre, Professor Biman Prasad, leader of the NFP, denounced Fiji’s 2013 Constitution as a “fraudulent and discredited document.” Professor Prasad criticized the process by which the Constitution was introduced, claiming it was imposed without public consultation and was engineered to be immutable with stringent requirements for amendment.
Professor Prasad emphasized that the original framers of the 2013 Constitution designed its amendment process to necessitate an arduous three-quarters majority in Parliament and subsequently, a similar majority of voters in a referendum. This design, he argued, was a deliberate effort to shield the Constitution from change and maintain the status quo.
The recent Supreme Court case, which Professor Prasad referenced, addressed the constitution’s amendment procedures, aiming to restore the public’s right to modify their governing document democratically. He underscored the necessity of allowing the populace to express their will in a true democracy, supporting government’s position in the case favoring more feasible pathways for constitutional reform. The Supreme Court’s decision to lower the Parliamentary threshold required for constitutional changes to a two-thirds majority, while still mandating a referendum supported by a majority of the populace, was welcomed by Prasad and the NFP.
This latest development relates closely to prior calls from political leaders, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and constitutional experts for a participatory approach to amend the Constitution. These calls have consistently highlighted the importance of involving the public in shaping governance structures that genuinely reflect their aspirations. Initiatives such as setting up a Constitution Review Commission for comprehensive public consultation have been mooted to ensure that the reform process is inclusive and democratic.
Critics have long described the 2013 Constitution as a construct serving the interests of a select few, sidelining democratic engagement and transparency. By advocating constitutional reform through a balanced and participatory approach, leaders like Professor Prasad hope not only to rectify past grievances but also pave the way for a more equitable future for all Fijians.
The ongoing constitutional dialogue symbolizes a hopeful shift toward genuine democratic reform in Fiji. This process aspires to bolster civic trust and participation, ensuring that the nation’s governance is rooted in the collective will of its people. The recent court decision is seen as a positive step in this direction, enabling a more practical and citizen-centric framework for constitutional amendments that respects both democratic principles and governance stability.