The Commissioners of the Constitution Review Commission are now getting ready to have public consultations on the review of the 2013 Constitution.
Commission Chairman, Sevuloni Valenitabua says in its review process, the Commission is required to listen to the public, analyse public submissions and report to the President on its findings and recommendations to help shape a constitution that reflects what the people of Fiji want and need, and that supports democracy.
The Commission members are Valenitabua as chairperson, Merewalesi Nailatikau, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Ami Kohli, Dr Neelesh Gounder, Dr John Fatiaki and Conway Beg.
Dr Fatiaki calls on the people of the country to address the democratic deficit in the 2013 Constitution.
Insert : Dr Fatiaki On The Biggest Deficit March 17th
The Commission will be supported by a secretariat and constitutional law experts.
Valenitabua says they plan to start consultations in April, and they believe they have sufficient time to complete the process as per the timetable.
They are expected to submit their report to the President with its findings by August.
Cabinet is expected to consider the report in August.
Valenitabua says the Commissioners are tasked to engage the people of Fiji through a consultative process and to evaluate key aspects to ensure that the Constitution reflects the values, needs and aspirations of our beloved nation.
He says the Commission operates independently from all election planning activities.
Valenitabua says to all citizens please attend and participate in the consultations when the venues are announced and when the Commissioners come around for consultations.
