Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu is making the call for a comprehensive talanoa, with full disclosure of what has really transpired in Fiji in the various events from 1987, before any process to amend the 2013 Constitution.
Seruiratu says we need to know what really happened, and who was behind all of these events, that shook Fiji, and pushed us backwards on the development path.
He says such a talanoa is the basis for a full transparency and reconciliation process, that will ensure that we eliminate the causes of past problems.
Seruiratu says Professor in Constitutional Law from the Australian National University, Professor Anthony James Regan's discourse at the Fiji National University Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar Series has generated a groundswell of affirmative views on the need for a wholesale review of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution.
He says this culminated with the End-of-the-Week Statement by Opposition MP, Viliame Naupoto in Parliament reiterating the call for the review of the 2013 Constitution.
Seruiratu says as with all legal documents, a constitution should be considered a “Living Document” which should be subjected to review as circumstances affecting a nation’s life change.
The Opposition Leader says a revamped constitution should ensure the strengthening of the principle of popular sovereignty which asserts that the people are the ultimate source of power, hence they should have a bigger say in how they are governed. He says looking back at our very short history, we have had four constitutions since gaining independence in 1970.
These were the 1970, 1990, 1997, and 2013 Constitutions. Seruiratu says the 1970 Constitution was purported to be a good balanced document, yet we had the events of 1987, the 1997 Constitution was said to be close to perfect, still we had the events of 2000 and 2006.
He says what this demonstrates is that constitutions do not solve problems.
The Opposition Leader says there must be a shared commitment, built around our diversities, to the aspirations and the spirit of the Constitution, to make it work.
Seruiratu adds that the constitution is the fundamental law of the nation which outlines the powers and limitations of government and the rights of citizens.
He says it is an essential document that sets the framework for governance in any country.
The Opposition Leader says Professor Regan has made his observations on the 2013 Constitution clear from a legal viewpoint, and the government must now show leadership to pave the way forward in ensuring that the outcome of any review is acceptable to all, and is sustainable in the long term.
Seruiratu stresses that a review of the Constitution must undergo a rigorous process and the very first step in that process should be the convening of Talanoa Sessions or Political Dialogue involving our Political and Community Leaders.
He says this is a necessary part of the process, without which we will continue to drift apart, our differences become untenable, our fears grow palpable, and our distrust circles without end.
Seruiratu says this is important to “shine the light” on all the dark corners of society.
He says one of the key benefits of such Talanoa Sessions is that it can reveal the beauty and symmetry of our differences and enable us to reset our moral compass, thus allowing us to unite around our disagreements, our differences, and our agreements.
Seruiratu says in the end, we will find that we need each other, and by dismissing the opportunity to be involved in Talanoa Sessions or Political Dialogue, we are omitting the essence of true reconciliation.
He further says the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, premised on the outcomes of the Talanoa Sessions, is the next step in the process, followed eventually by the review of the constitution itself.
Seruiratu says the common denominator in this whole process must be the future of our nation, and all those who call Fiji their home because governments come and go, it is the nation and its people that will continue to remain.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
