FTUC wants unionists to be allowed to contest elections, and raises concerns over military role and coup immunity in Constitution

The Fiji Trades Union Congress wants unionists to be allowed to contest the general elections, and has also raised concerns about the 2013 Constitution which gives the Republic of Fiji Military Forces responsibility for ensuring the security, defence, and well-being of the people.

While making their submission to the Constitution Review Commission, FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony says the wording on the military's role is unclear and could be interpreted in a way that allows military intervention in a civilian government under certain circumstances.

The submission warns that this could create a legal pathway for the military to be involved in governance decisions, blurring the line between civilian authority and military power.

He says the submission stresses that in a democratic system, the military should remain under the control of elected leaders through proper ministerial oversight.

Concerns were also raised about provisions that grant immunity for past coups.

It is argued that these clauses could weaken deterrence and may be seen as legitimising unconstitutional changes of government.

He says this could send the wrong message — that future military intervention in politics may not face legal consequences.

He adds that this could undermine democratic stability and accountability in the country.

Anthony is calling for clearer constitutional safeguards to ensure any form of military takeover is strictly prohibited, and that civilian authority over the military is clearly protected.

Although the Supreme Court has said that the immunity provision is not to be amended, Anthony calls for a review of immunity provisions to reinforce a zero-tolerance approach to coups in Fiji.

While making the submission, Anthony says a key issue raised is Fiji’s current electoral system, which he says lacks accountability.

He argues that Members of Parliament can enter Parliament with few personal votes, relying heavily on party popularity.

Anthony says as a result, representatives are not directly answerable to specific communities.

He says there is a proposal to return to a constituency-based system, where elected officials are directly responsible to the people who vote for them.

Anthony says there are also renewed calls to reinstate the Senate to provide an additional layer of oversight and prevent unchecked decision-making in Parliament.

Anthony says his submission highlights that union officials are currently classified as public office holders, restricting their ability to participate in political activities.

He says this contradicts constitutional rights and unfairly limits workers’ voices, especially on issues such as wages and working conditions.

On wages, Anthony says concerns have been raised that the current minimum wage does not meet the constitutional requirement of being just.

He points out that existing rates fall below the estimated poverty line, with calls for the government to ensure a living wage that allows workers to live with dignity.

Insert: Felix Anthony on minimum wage, 20th April 2026

Anthony says several governance and institutional reforms have also been proposed.

These include making the President independently elected rather than appointed by the government, and ensuring that bodies like the Human Rights Commission operate without political influence.

He says there are also suggestions to restructure the public service system to improve consistency and reduce duplication, as well as include worker representation in disciplinary tribunals.

Anthony says legal provisions around candidate eligibility have also come under scrutiny.

He says critics argue that the current eight-year disqualification period for individuals with convictions is too severe, particularly for minor offences, and should be reviewed.

Anthony says national security provisions are another area of concern.

He says accountability in public finance has also been highlighted, with submissions noting that financial reports are often delayed by several years, making them ineffective.

He says strict reporting deadlines have been suggested as a solution.