Many ways to skin a cat - Rabuka

There are many ways to skin a cat.

That is the comment of Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka as the Bill to amend the 2013 Constitution was defeated in parliament late last night.

While responding to questions from fijivillage News, Rabuka says the Supreme Court Question for Interpretation way is still open.

Rabuka says the Constitution is still supreme and Parliament allowed itself to demonstrate that - Government moved a Motion to Amend the Constitution, in accordance with that Constitution, and although Parliament Members carry the mandate of the voters to legislate, that mandate to legislate (particularly amendments to the Constitution) is limited by the Constitution which itself had never been assented to by Parliament.

The Bill was defeated as the Government could not get the required 75 percent support for amendments to be made to the Constitution.

40 MPs voted for the amendment, 14 were against it and one Member of Parliament did not vote.

41 votes were needed for the change.

While speaking on the proposed amendments to the constitution, Rabuka said Section 2 simplifies the language of Chapter 11, allowing for greater clarity and adaptability in governance by removing outdated or restrictive provisions.

He said Section 3 enhances legislative efficiency by lowering the threshold for constitutional amendments from three-quarters to two-thirds of Parliament support, and removing the requirement for a nationwide referendum. Currently, any changes to the Constitution requires 75 percent of support in Parliament and 75 percent of support of the total number of registered voters in a referendum.

Many have said that this threshold is impossible to meet.

Click here for full 2013 Constitution Amendment Bill story