Concern
is mounting among Fiji civil society over signs the
government may extend the length of parliament in order to
push through constitutional changes.
Fiji’s government
has hinted
that a new constitution could be in place by Christmas
Eve.
Cabinet has endorsed the Constitution Review
Commission’s report to be presented in parliament and has
supported a request for a special sitting this
week.
In a joint
statement, leading civil society groups warn that a
rushed constitutional process could amount to a “self-coup”
if it delays the next general election.
Election
are due to be held by February 2027, but the Rabuka-led
government has not announced a date yet.
They have
called on MPs across party lines, to reject any
constitutional timetable that risks taking Fiji beyond the
democratic life of the current Parliament.
The groups
include the Centre for Democracy & Dialogue, the Fiji
Council of Social Services, the Fiji Women’s Rights
Movement, Fem Link Pacific, the Pacific Centre for
Peacebuilding, and the Social Empowerment and Education
Programme.
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They called on the government to guarantee
that “if any major change to the electoral system is
proposed, it must be subject to a clear transitional
provision stating that the next general election will
proceed under the existing electoral framework”.
“The
people of Fiji will be given adequate time, clear
information and a meaningful opportunity to consider any
proposed Constitution before any referendum is
held.”
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