The Social Democratic Liberal Party is calling on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee reviewing the Constitution Amendment Bill to clarify how the proposed changes will affect the membership, funding and independence of the Great Council of Chiefs.
SODELPA is seeking clarification on Section 152(3), which it says gives Parliament the power to make laws determining the membership of the Great Council of Chiefs.
The party is questioning whether a government with a simple majority in Parliament, could change the Council's membership requirements without needing to amend the Constitution.
They also wanted to know why the representation of Fiji's 14 provinces, Rotuma and paramount chiefs has not been clearly protected under the proposed amendments.
SODELPA says it is important to ensure that traditional leadership remains independent and protected from political interference, regardless of which government is in power.
The party is also seeking clarification on Section 152(4), which provides for Government funding of the Council, subject to available resources.
They are questioning whether this arrangement provides sufficient financial independence for the Council and why guaranteed funding directly from the Consolidated Fund has not been included.
SODELPA has also raised questions about the protection of iTaukei land, qoliqoli and mineral rights.
It wants clarification on whether the proposed amendments provide adequate safeguards for these rights, particularly in the absence of an express veto power for the Great Council of Chiefs.
Meanwhile, the party says the 30-day public consultation period is insufficient for provincial councils, districts and traditional leaders to fully examine and understand the proposed changes.
They are calling for an extension to allow communities more time to consider the Bill and its possible implications for their rights and traditional leadership.
SODELPA is urging the Parliamentary Special Select Committee to provide clear public explanations on these issues before the Bill progresses.
The party says it will continue to advocate for the protection of the authority and independence of Fiji's chiefs and traditional leaders.
