CRC urged to retain democratic foundation of 2013 constitution

Dialogue Fiji is calling for constitutional reform in Fiji, emphasizing the need to retain the democratic foundations of the 2013 Constitution while tackling the excessive concentration of executive power. The organization submitted its recommendations to the Constitution Review Commission, stressing that any changes must gain public legitimacy through a transparent and inclusive process.

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Fiji needs constitutional reform, but warns that any changes will only gain public legitimacy if the review process is transparent, inclusive and trusted by the people.

However, Dialogue Fiji argues that the current five-month review period is too short and lacks the extensive public consultation necessary for meaningful reform. They point to other countries where comprehensive reviews have taken significantly longer.

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The organisation says the current five-month review is rushed and lacks the broad public consultation needed for meaningful constitutional reform, noting that comprehensive reviews in other countries have taken much longer.

Despite advocating for reforms, Dialogue Fiji insists that core principles of the 2013 Constitution should be preserved. These include the "one person, one vote, one value" principle, equal citizenry, secularism, a single national electoral roll, open-list proportional representation, and a fully elected Parliament. They also propose an independent Constitutional Offices Commission, stronger protections for the Public Service Commission and Judiciary, a two-term limit for the Prime Minister, and a maximum of 15 Cabinet ministers. Additionally, they suggest reducing the electoral threshold from 5 percent to 2 percent to enhance the representation of smaller parties.

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key principles of the 2013 Constitution should remain, including one person, one vote, one value, equal citizenry, secularism, a single national electoral roll, open-list proportional representation and a fully elected Parliament.

Further recommendations include constitutional recognition of the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by an Opposition MP, as an oversight body. Dialogue Fiji also seeks stronger protection for the Bill of Rights, a mechanism for citizens' petitions, and the retention of "Fijian" as the common nationality for all citizens. The organization warns against changes that could erode public confidence or divide the nation, advocating for a modern, democratic, inclusive, and balanced Constitution.

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Fiji needs a Constitution that is modern, democratic, inclusive and balanced, warning against changes that could undermine public confidence or divide the country.