Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has written to the Speaker of Parliament requesting that the term of the Parliamentary Joint Special Committee on the Constitution Amendment Bill be extended to allow the Committee to complete its work and receive more written submissions.
He says they were greatly encouraged by the response from the public, and like the findings of the Constitutional Review Commission, there were half-filled holes in the urban corridors.
Insert: Rabuka on submissions, 2nd Nov 26
Rabuka says this morning, he had to address concerns raised by the Secretariat and Committee members that perhaps they should give the public more time to consider the matter and allow the Committee more time to consider people's submissions.
He adds that they will advertise for written and oral submissions, including the times and venues.
The Prime Minister says they will start compiling the submissions at the end of next week so that they can present the report on 30th November.
He says they will present the report and the proposed amendment to the Constitution during that parliamentary sitting week for debate.
The final vote on the third reading of the Constitution Bill is expected on 4th December.
