Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made clear on Saturday that the Constitution Amendment Bill will advance to a referendum if it secures two-thirds support in Parliament, but will die with the current Parliament if rejected by MPs.
Rabuka outlined the parliamentary process during a special committee sitting at Tuva Primary School, where citizens received an opportunity to offer feedback on proposed changes to the supreme law.
Rabuka said that the review report went to Cabinet before reaching Parliament, following a review led by Attorney-General Sevuloni Valenitabua serving as the commissioner of the review commission. He said that the committee will prioritize public submissions before moving forward with standard committee procedures.
Rabuka explained that the committee returned for additional public consultations because some citizens felt excluded during earlier discussions. He emphasized that the desire to review the Constitution will persist regardless of the current Bill’s outcome, noting that the Constitution allows for periodic reviews. If MPs reject the current proposal, Rabuka said that members of the House remain free to propose future amendments should they secure sufficient support.
Mata ni Tikina of Malomalo, Emoni Rokomoce, told Fijivillage that he participated in the consultation process and informed his tikina about the proposed modifications. Rokomoce said that residents support the changes and the consultation framework, adding that they appreciate official recognition of the Great Council of Chiefs.
People First representative Rinesh Sharma said that the party deliberately chose not to participate in the initial Constitution Review Commission process because it disputed the legitimacy of that review. He stressed that the party’s current participation in the parliamentary committee does not signify support for the Bill.
Sharma warned that treating constitutional changes like ordinary legislation could harm the country. He argued that the 150-page document, which contains 229 clauses and complex legal language, makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand their rights and how it might affect them.
According to Sharma, widespread public awareness, advocacy, and civic education programs are necessary before any vote occurs. He maintained that major constitutional changes should be decided through a referendum rather than leaving the final decision to Parliament.
The People First Party also advocated for a single national constituency under the electoral system, arguing that the principle of “one person, one vote, one value” guarantees equal voting weight and minimizes boundary manipulation.
The party suggested this approach would reduce wasted votes and encourage political leaders to prioritize national unity over regional or communal politics. Attorney-General Sevuloni Valenitabua questioned this position, noting that earlier submissions to the Constitution Review Commission indicated strong public interest in constituency-based representation.
The Special Committee scheduled further sessions to follow the Tuva Primary School sitting, including a meeting at the Votualevu College Hall in Nadi.
