Concerns have been raised on whether Fiji’s Constitution review process is being rushed, as the Constitution Review Commission confirms it has six months to complete nationwide consultations and deliver its report and draft Bill.
The Commission was established to gather views from Fijians on possible changes to the 2013 Constitution.
The review process was initiated after Government’s attempt to amend the Constitution failed in Parliament, and following the opinion of the Supreme Court, the Commission was appointed to carry out a review.
Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Commission member Dr Neelesh Goundar says while concerns have been raised about time constraints, the Commission is working within its six-month mandate.
Dr Goundar says comparisons with previous constitutional processes are not the same as the current exercise as ethnic divide was really big at that time and a lot of effort was needed to be done in terms of public consultation and work around education and awareness.
INSERT: Goundar on amendment time 10th May
He says while more time would always be beneficial, the Commission is supported by a strong secretariat handling submissions, analysis and public awareness.
Dr Goundar says the process is also being made inclusive, with consultations held in both rural and urban areas to ensure broad participation.
Constitution Review Commission Chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua says they have already conducted around 24 consultations so far, including targeted groups and public engagements.
He says the process is now moving into nationwide consultations across the islands and this month and next month, they are travelling throughout the country.
He says two teams have been deployed, supported by staff including Hansard reporters, IT officers and policy officers who will compile all submissions.
Valenitabua says once consultations are completed, the Commission will have the next two months to analyse submissions and prepare its report which needs to be submited to the President by 31st August, marking the end of the Commission’s work.
Concerns were also raised on staying politically neutral as the Commission operates from the same building that houses the Office of the Attorney-General and the Office of the Solicitor General.
In response, Valenitabua says the Commission operates as a fully independent body.
INSERT: Valenitabua on Commission's operation 10th May
Valenitabua says seconded officers from various ministries are working under the Commission, but all decisions are made internally.
Dr Goundar reinforces that position, saying the Commission's daily work is not directed by Government and decisions on consultation venues, stakeholder engagement and media interaction are all made by the Commission itself.
He says political neutrality also extends to analysis of submissions, where the Commission must assess ideas on merit rather than political influence or numbers alone.
