Young people have questioned the rushed consultation process for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, saying more time is needed for the public to understand the proposed changes and ensure their voices are heard.
While speaking before the Special Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 at Vunimono Hall in Nausori, Suva resident Lavetanalagi Seru has urged the Government to consider extending the consultation period, saying a process conducted over a few weeks does not do justice to a document that would become the supreme law of the country.
He has also raised concerns about the concentration of political power and has called for a clear separation between the executive, legislature and judiciary.
Seru questioned the proposed role of the Prime Minister in appointing the Chief Justice, opposed the reintroduction of an unelected Senate because of the cost to taxpayers, and supported constituency-based voting, saying it would make Members of Parliament more directly accountable to the people they represent.
He also called for more equitable sharing of mineral resources between the State and landowners, and said prosecutorial powers should remain with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions rather than be used against political opponents.
Former Youth Parliamentarian, Patricia Subhaiya has opposed the proposed introduction of an exception permitting moderate chastisement, saying it could weaken protections against violence and put childrens rights at risk.
Subhaiya says the wording could make it difficult to distinguish discipline from abuse.
She says discipline should prioritise a childs safety, dignity and well-being, rather than expose children to physical punishment that could cause fear, anxiety, shame and low self-esteem.
She says physical punishment could normalise violence across generations, as children who experience it may come to believe physical force is an acceptable way to resolve conflict.
Another Youth Parliamentarian, Nishaal Narayan has opposed the justification for retaining blanket immunity provisions, asking what had gone wrong during the past four years and whether the provisions were intended to protect something that might happen in the future.
Narayan also recommended that the country's identity remain Fijian.
While speaking on the proposal for Fiji to become a Christian State, Narayan questioned whether this was necessary for people to practise Christian values or whether it was a political move to influence the public.
While quoting Matthew 22:37 39 of the Bible, Narayan says Christian values should be demonstrated through how people treat others, rather than through the religious identity of the State.
He is urging the Commission to protect freedom of religion, freedom of conscience and equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.
Proposed SODELPA candidate, AnnMary Raduva has also questioned whether the consultation process is adequately representing the people of Nausori, referring to the town's population of 57,866.
She asked whether the number of people attending the consultation reflected the wider community and has raised concerns about whether the constitutional amendment process was moving too quickly.
She further questioned whether the rights of persons with disabilities were being adequately considered, asking whether they were represented at the consultation and whether sign language interpreters were available.
Raduva urged the committee to ensure the public had a meaningful opportunity to have its say on the proposed amendments.
The Special Committee's public consultation is currently underway at the Namosi Provincial Council Hall in Navua.
