Nakasi youths Arisi Tabuasei and Isikeli Waqa have called for the consultation period on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 to be extended, saying more time is needed for people across Fiji to have their views heard.
While making a submission to the Joint Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Nakasi, Tabuasei says the review process is moving too quickly and should be extended by six months to one year to allow for meaningful consultations in remote, rural and maritime communities, as well as informal settlements.
Tabuasei says he is concerned that people in rural areas and outer islands do not have the same opportunities to share their views on the proposed constitutional amendments.
He says the consultation process is too short to conclude that the proposed changes reflect the will of the people.
Tabuasei is also objecting to the immunity clause, saying it provides broad and permanent immunity to public officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, military and police.
He says the provision could prevent victims from obtaining justice, compensation or other legal remedies.
Tabuasei says everyone should be equal before the law, regardless of their position or authority, and recommends removing the clause or revising it to protect accountability and the rule of law.
He also calls for Section 47.1 to be amended to recognise the rights of customary and freehold landowners to own and benefit from minerals found beneath their land.
Tabuasei says landowners deserve to benefit directly from these resources, which could create opportunities for income, employment and business development.
Meanwhile, Waqa also calls for an extension of the consultation period, saying the time available is too short to determine whether the proposed amendments reflect the will of the people.
He says the changes will affect everyone and future generations, and more people must be given the opportunity to express their views.
Waqa says consultations should also be held in more accessible settings, including through district offices, so people feel more comfortable sharing their concerns.
He says the hall was empty during the Nakasi consultation and notes that this had also been the case at other consultations around the country.
Waqa says everyone should be given a chance to be heard before decisions are made on amendments to the Constitution.
Consultations continue this evening at the CMF World Harvest Church Hall in Kinoya from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Consultations will be held in Rotuma on Friday from 1pm to 3pm where the venue is yet to be confirmed, and on Saturday at the Labasa Civic Centre from 9am to 11.30am and at the Savusavu Town Council Hall from 3pm to 5pm.
