Fijian chiefs unanimously reject 2013 Constitution
Photo:
Fiji Government
Fijian chiefs have unanimously agreed the country's 2013 Constitution, which gives every citizen equal status and national identity, is not fit for purpose.
The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), or Bose Levu Vakaturaga, a
traditional body
made up of indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) chiefs, convened for a two-day meeting at their new complex in the capital Suva this week.
The GCC, with representatives from Fiji's 14 provinces, is regarded as the peak iTaukei institution mandated to look after and protect the interests of the indigenous population.
It was banned for almost two decades by the former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who told the chiefs to "drink home brew under the mango tree".
However, it was
re-established
in 2023 by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's coalition government.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the parliamentary debate to amend the 2013 Constitution earlier this month.
Photo:
Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
Following the two-day meeting this week, GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula told local reporters that the chiefs are unanimous in their decision to get rid of the 2013 Constitution, stating that the document is holding back progress for indigenous Fijians.
"We've had enough with it. We want this Constitution gone," he told reporters.
"It's restricting a lot of work for the iTaukei. With every corner we turn to try and improve the people's lives, there is this constitution on the way," he said.
Rabuka tried
but failed
to get the parliamentary support he needed to go ahead with his plan to change the Constitution.
One of his deputies, Manoa Kamikamica, told
Pacific Waves
in March that the document
legalised dictatorship
.
The Fijian Cabinet is now seeking the Supreme Court's opinion on the interpretation and application of the constitutional amendment provisions under sections 159 and 160 of the Constitution.
The case is listed for a directions hearing on Friday, 23 May.
Ratu Viliame, left, with the Minister for iTaukei Affairs. (file imgage)
Photo:
Facebook / iTaukei Affairs Board
Ratu Viliame said the GCC will await the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing and, depending on that, will consider its next steps.
"The GCC has a lot of power. Gives us another year and people...will have to listen to what the GCC says."
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