Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu says we need to respect the participation, the willingness, and the right to be heard for those that are making submissions to the Constitution Review Commission.
While responding to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s statement on the Commission in Parliament this morning, Seruiratu stresses they need to have a voice in this process.
INSERT: Seruiratu on process 30 apr
He further says that while he cannot speak to what the outcome will be, it is always good to reflect on the issues that contributed to the various changes in the past such as ethno-political factors, socio-economic, governance, socio-psychological, socio-cultural, the role of the military itself, and other sources of power, particularly the role of the media and that of the church as well.
He says the review is something that we need to encourage our communities to participate in because our Constitution affects how we live, how we are represented, and the decisions that do affect us in the future.
Seruiratu says people need to understand the reasons behind the review of the Constitution, and most importantly the outcome that we need to achieve at the end of this exercise, bearing in mind that this is the fourth Constitution for Fiji since our independence.
He says perhaps the good thing out of this exercise is we are going to draft a new supreme law for the country without going through a coup, because the 1970, 1990 and the 2013 Constitutions came as a result of the upheaval.
The Opposition Leader hopes that this time it will be a constitution that will last forever.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rabuka, in his statement highlighted the rollout of the Public Awareness and Civic Education Program.
He says the PACE program is intended to inform the public about the establishment, role, and independence of the Commission, explain the constitutional review process and upcoming consultation timelines, guide individuals and groups on how they may participate and prepare submissions, and encourage inclusive nationwide engagement across all sectors of society.
Rabuka says the PACE program commenced on the 22nd of April of this month and is scheduled to run over a two-week period as a preparatory initiative.
He says Solicitor General Ropate Green is leading the implementation of the program and is part of the teams visiting various parts of the country; helping to lay the groundwork for the Commission's consultations by raising awareness and ensuring that people are informed and prepared to participate.
He says the Commission will then prepare a comprehensive report, together with a draft constitution Bill that reflects the input received.
The Prime Minister says this report and the draft Bill will be submitted to the President and to Cabinet for consideration, and the Cabinet will then refer the Commission's report to Parliament for tabling, where it will be subjected to the necessary constitutional processes in accordance with the law.
Rabuka says this ensures that the review process is not only consultative, it is also properly anchored within our legal and institutional framework.
The Prime Minister adds the constitutional review process is of profound national significance and the Government remains committed to ensuring that it is inclusive, transparent, fiscally responsible, and grounded in meaningful public participation.
