The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has formally supported the return of the Ombudsman under the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, prompting intense discussion regarding civilian direction, military oversight, and democratic institutions.
Major General Kalouniwai Targets Section 2 Protections
Addressing the Special Parliamentary Committee reviewing the sweeping legislative changes earlier this week, RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai zeroed in on section 2(6) of the proposed framework.
He stressed a straightforward principle: civilian direction over the armed forces must remain absolute.
According to FBC News, Major General Kalouniwai told lawmakers that section 2 establishes a foundational standard for supreme law that no individual possesses the authority to suspend or abolish. He argued that the amendment bill must rigorously uphold that standard to safeguard segments of the population unable to protect themselves.
Demands to Preserve FICAC and Judicial Independence
The military’s vision for the legislative review stretches far beyond a single office.
The 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026 has been defeated in the Lok Sabha.By conflating women’s reservation and delimitation, the government thought it could take Parliament for a ride.Instead, they created history as the first government to fail to push through a Bill…
Military leadership outlined several distinct institutional safeguards required within the new framework. The RFMF urged the parliamentary committee to retain the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption, maintain strict balance within the Constitutional Offices Commission, and secure the independence of the courts.
Push for Unlawful Order Refusal and Domestic Deployment Rules
Internal operational governance and legal accountability also took center stage during the military’s submissions.
Major General Kalouniwai told the committee that soldiers should carry a formal obligation to refuse clearly unlawful orders. Furthermore, the commander proposed that military deployments occurring within domestic borders should be subjected to direct parliamentary oversight, as the institution seeks equal treatment under the law.
Weighing Institutional Safeguards in Committee
The ongoing review by the Special Parliamentary Committee continues to evaluate these submissions as lawmakers weigh the operational recommendations of the armed forces against the broader architecture of Fiji’s democratic institutions.
| Key Area | RFMF Recommendation / Position |
|---|---|
| Ombudsman Office | Supports return under Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 |
| Civilian Direction & Law | Uphold section 2 standards; equal treatment under the law |
| Institutional Oversight | Retain FICAC, balance Constitutional Offices Commission, safeguard courts |
| Operational Rules | Mandate refusal of unlawful orders; add parliamentary oversight for domestic deployments |
