Fijian Chief Seeks to Curb Military Power, Restore Indigenous Rights

Ratu Tevita Mara, a prominent Fijian high chief and former military general, has submitted a strong proposal to the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) calling for a substantial reduction in the military's influence and the restoration of indigenous iTaukei rights. His submission, representing the Vanua o Lau (Lau people), argues for a military focused solely on national defense, free from political control, and advocates for independent judicial and electoral systems.

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[We need] a military that defends the nation and never rules it, courts, prosecutors, and elections beyond the control of any government and the strongest protection of our (iTaukei and Rotuman) land, seas, and custom.

Mara specifically urged the repeal of Section 131(2) of the 2013 Constitution, which he believes grants the military an overly broad mandate. He seeks to place the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) under ministerial control and parliamentary oversight. This call comes as Fiji approaches a general election, with Mara having previously warned the government about the urgency of addressing the nation's drug crisis.

Further addressing national identity, Mara suggested that the term 'Fijian' as a common civic name should be decided by the public through consultations led by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC). He proposed restoring 'Fiji Islander' as the common civic name. Mara also called for an examination of the constitution's immunity clause, which has shielded individuals involved in past coups from prosecution, and a review of the "secular state" clause, while guaranteeing religious freedom.

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Repeal section 131(2) [of the 2013 Constitution] which gives the military an open-ended mandate over the nation's well-being.

Mara, who is co-deputy chair of the GCC, stated that the current 2013 Constitution was imposed and that a new one should reflect the will of all communities in Fiji. He previously fled Fiji in 2011 and lived in exile after facing treason charges under the administration of former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. His return to Fiji became possible only after the current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka-led coalition government took power in December 2022.

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Return the question to the people through proper consultation led by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) and restore 'Fiji Islander' as the common civic name.