4 from the Group of 17 may support Constitution amendment

There are indications that 4 MPs from the Group of 17 independents in the Opposition may support the coalition government's Bill to Amend the Constitution.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has the support of People’s Alliance/National Federation Party and SODELPA coalition and the Group of 9 independents who will vote for the Bill.

He needs another 4 MPs to take the total support to the required 75 percent of parliament agreeing to the Bill to change how amendments can be made to the Constitution. When approached by fijivillage News on 4 MPs supporting the Bill, Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu says he cannot comment on how they will vote because they are not aware of the content of the motion itself.

He says it may be a possibility concerning the 4 who may be planning to vote for the Bill, but he really cannot confirm because the MPs are free to make their own choices given their status as being independent members.

Seruiratu adds that the first thing we need to ensure is that all steps taken to amend the Constitution must be according to the law itself as laid out in the Constitution itself and the provisions of the Standing Orders of parliament.

When questioned by fijivillage News, independent MP, Alvick Maharaj says the government needs to start working on bipartisanship.

He says just bringing the Bill to amend the Constitution without any consultation with the opposition and still trying to get support from opposition is quite ironic.

Maharaj says they are talking about amending the supreme law of Fiji, and yet we are not even aware of what they want to change.

He says it's just rumours that 4 MPs will support the Bill as during their caucus, no member has shown any interest in supporting the amendment to the Bill.

Maharaj says it will be a very cowardly act if any of the opposition members goes ahead and votes in favour of the Bill.

He adds that he understands some members may have personal reservations as they are upholding the Constitution that was done under the leadership of former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama who no longer recognises these members.

Maharaj says for members, they are putting their differences aside and will continue to uphold the supreme law of Fiji to ensure equality for every Fijian.

Cabinet has approved measures to initiate the review of the 2013 Constitution, and a Bill to amend relevant provisions of Chapter 11 of the Constitution will be tabled in parliament today.

Chapter 11 of the Constitution states that any amendments to the Constitution shall have the support of 75 percent of the Members of Parliament and 75 percent of the registered voters in a referendum.

Cabinet says a Constitution Review Commission is also expected to be appointed to engage the people of Fiji in a consultative process regarding the 2013 Constitution.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says the 2013 Constitution has been subject to wide criticism since its imposition. He says the criticisms relate both to the manner and process leading to its adoption, as well as aspects of its substantive content.

Rabuka says Constitutional review or changes featured prominently in most political parties' campaigns during the 2022 general elections.