Constitution Bill Public Consultation

All nightclubs in Fiji should close at 11pm to allow parents to spend more time with their families, according to Methodist Church President Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou, who is also calling for a National Day of Prayer for people of all faiths.

Reverend Dr Turagavou raised these issues during consultations on the Constitution Amendment Bill, saying there needs to be greater control over nightclub operating hours and more emphasis on family responsibilities.

He says nightclubs have previously remained open until 1am, raising concerns about parents going out at night and leaving their children at home until the following morning.

Turagavou says this is an issue the country needs to seriously consider, as both mothers and fathers should return home earlier and spend time with their families.

He is proposing that all nightclubs close at 11pm to allow parents to return home earlier and fulfil their responsibilities towards their children and families.

The Methodist Church President also believes Fiji should have a National Day of Prayer, when people of different faiths can pray for the country.

He says the proposal does not mean everyone must gather under one roof, as people can pray from their homes or wherever they are.

Turagavou says Christians, Muslims, Hindus and members of other religious groups should all be encouraged to take part in praying for the nation.

He believes that when people pray collectively, God will hear their prayers.

His proposals focus on the importance of faith, family responsibilities and encouraging parents to spend more time with their children.

Former SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa describes the use of 'Fijian' as a national identity under the 2013 Constitution as 'technical genocide', saying it has taken away part of the indigenous people's history and identity.

Takayawa made the comments during public consultation on the Constitution Amendment Bill, where he raised concerns about the national identity introduced under the 2013 Constitution.

He says the term 'Fijian' was historically used to identify the indigenous people of Fiji and believes its use as a national identity has taken away something important from them.

Takayawa says removing the term from its previous use also means deleting part of the history and heritage of indigenous people and their ancestors.

He describes this as 'technical genocide', explaining that he believes genocide can involve not only the killing of people but also the removal of a group's history and identity.

Takayawa also refers to discussions held in 1997, saying the term Fiji Islander was proposed as a national identity that could be shared by all citizens.

He says he believes this would have been a democratic approach to national identity.

Takayawa maintains that indigenous identity should still be recognised, suggesting that an indigenous name could be retained alongside the national identity.

He also says people across the region share a Pacific Islander identity, while reiterating his support for the recognition of Fiji Islanders.

His submission focuses on the relationship between national identity, indigenous heritage and the recognition of the history of Fiji's people.

A 25-year-old youth Nitish Sharma says children are not bullocks and cannot be beaten into obedience, raising concerns about the chastisement of children during the consultation on the Constitution Amendment Bill in Suva.

Sharma, who is originally from Cuvu, Sigatoka, says although children may not always listen to their parents and teachers, physical punishment is not the solution.

He says issues such as drugs and HIV are concerning, but beating children will not necessarily change their behaviour.

Insert:Sharma on chastisement of children nb 15th Oct

He also raises concerns about several other proposed constitutional changes, including immunity provisions, saying it is time for the country to move forward, learn from the past and focus on preventing similar violations in the future.

Sharma questions the need for a Senate, arguing that Parliament should be strong enough to prevent unnecessary bills from being passed.

He also questions the process of repeatedly sending bills between the two chambers and says Senate members should be elected rather than appointed.

Sharma says Fiji is a diverse country and all communities should have an opportunity to be represented in Parliament.

On the selection of the President, he says Parliament should elect the Head of State rather than leaving the decision solely to a group of people.

He acknowledges the role of chiefs but questions whether they should be the only ones deciding who becomes President.

Sharma also calls for the current four-year parliamentary term to remain, rather than being extended to five years.

He says people should continue to have a say in future constitutional amendments through referendums, arguing that the Constitution belongs to the people and they should not be excluded from decisions about it.

On the electoral system, Sharma supports retaining the current single nationwide open-list system, saying it allows voters to choose candidates regardless of where they live.

He questions whether a constituency-based system could restrict voters to candidates from their own areas and raises concerns about how electoral boundaries and seats would be allocated, particularly for outer islands and other communities.

Sharma says the electoral system should ensure votes are fairly represented and that people have a genuine choice in who represents them.

Lami resident Tarun Tikaram has questioned the immunity provisions in the proposed Constitution amendments, calling for accountability for wrongdoing and stronger protections for Fijians of Indian descent.

Speaking during the consultation on the Constitution Amendment Bill, Tikaram says if people are found to have done something wrong, they should be subject to litigation or prosecution rather than simply being told not to repeat their actions.

He questions the point of allowing immunity while expecting the country to move forward through reconciliation.

Tikaram also calls for more time to review the proposed Constitution Amendment bill, saying the Constitution is an important document that should not be rushed.

He says people must have the opportunity to understand the document, take ownership of it and uphold its provisions.

He also questioned the legal process for holding a referendum, asking whether the Prime Minister has the authority to call for one, set its date or direct the Electoral Commission to conduct it.

Tikaram urges the committee to carefully examine the relevant laws to avoid potential legal challenges, while asking members to verify whether his interpretation of the process was correct.

He further calls for stronger protections for people born in Fiji, saying he wants everyone to have a sense of belonging and feel that their identity as Fijians is respected.

Insert: Tikaram on Go back to India 16th Oct

Tikaram says he believes iTaukei land and interests are protected through existing laws and institutions,and called for greater consideration of protections for Fijians of Indian Decent.

Prime Minisiter and Joint Parliamentary Select Committee Chair Sitiveni Rabuka says written submissions will be summarised and considered as it reviews the proposed amendments, with some provisions potentially amended depending on the feedback received.

Centre for Democracy and Dialogue (CDD) Director Nilesh Lal warns that bringing the proposed Constitution into force between 24th December and 31st December this year could trigger a constitutional crisis, with Parliament's term expiring while Cabinet continues in power.

Lal says under this scenario, Parliament would expire on 24th December 2026, while Cabinet could continue to exist, creating a situation where elections cannot be held and the current Cabinet remains in power undemocratically.

He describes this as an unacceptable situation that could amount to a self-coup.

Insert:Lal on writ 16th Oct

He warns that this could undermine Fiji's democratic progress, noting that the country has held three successful elections since returning to democracy in 2014 and experienced its first peaceful and enduring transfer of power.

Lal raised these concerns while discussing the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill, saying the Government draft is much closer to the 2013 Constitution than the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) draft in how constitutional power is distributed.

He says the Government draft gives even greater powers to the executive, despite concerns about the concentration of power under the 2013 Constitution.

Lal says the CRC draft included important safeguards that his organisation had publicly welcomed, but these have been removed or weakened in the Government draft.

These include provisions protecting judicial independence, limiting the Prime Minister's influence over appointments of the Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal, and capping Cabinet at 15 members.

He also raises concerns about the proposed Senate, saying 18 of its 24 members would be appointed upon Bose Levu Vakaturaga advice.

Lal says moving away from a fully elected legislature is a regression, arguing that lawmaking should be confined to elected representatives.

He says the proposed electoral system is incomplete and open to manipulation because it lacks an overhang mechanism to correct disproportionality arising from communal or constituency seats.

Lal also warns that the proposed Electoral Boundaries Commission could be vulnerable to political influence, as the Prime Minister would appoint its chair and most of its members.

He says this creates a risk of gerrymandering, where electoral boundaries are manipulated to give a political party an advantage, and maintains that a single national constituency would reduce opportunities for such manipulation.

Lal also questions the removal of accountability institutions, including FICAC, saying it should be depoliticised rather than abolished.

He says the Constitution Amendment Bill contains serious drafting problems, including internal inconsistencies, conflicting deadlines, unclear cross-references and transitional provisions, which he describes as dangerous defects in a constitutional document.

Lal further questions whether the public has been given enough time to participate in the process, saying the greater Suva area, with about 300,000 people between Lami and Nausori, has been allocated only about a day to make submissions despite representing more than a third of the population.

He says the CRC draft was made public on 22nd September, followed by the Constitution Amendment Bill on 30th September, and the two documents differ significantly.

Lal says CDD is preparing an approximately 80-page written submission for the Special Parliamentary Committee and questions whether the committee will have enough time to properly consider submissions within the 11-day period allowed.

He says the proposed Constitution contains 230 sections and requires careful examination before decisions are made.

Lawyer Gavin O'Driscoll is calling for the removal of the immunity clause in the proposed Constitution, saying it could encourage people to repeat similar actions in the future.

Speaking before the Special Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Suva, O'Driscoll says Fiji needs to move forward with transparency and accountability.

He says retaining the immunity clause could perpetuate the same system by encouraging people who may be considering similar actions to believe they will also receive immunity.

O'Driscoll also raised concerns about corporal punishment, saying physical punishment is not an effective way to discipline people.

Insert: O'Driscoll on his experience with corporal punishment 16th Oct

He says there is no reason to physically punish anyone in this day and age.

O'Driscoll also stresses the importance of protecting the land rights of iTaukei people, saying they need to feel secure in their land and ownership.

He says ensuring that security would contribute to a more secure country.

O'Driscoll says the relevant provisions need to be closely scrutinised, adding that there are concerns about potential weakening of land rights.

The Government is being urged to provide a clear commitment on when Fijis next general elections will be held and ensure the proposed constitutional changes do not delay the election or extend Parliaments term.

Content creator and influencer Eliki Dakuitoga shared this before the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 at Vunimono Hall in Nausori, calling for stronger legal safeguards to protect the next elections.

Dakuitoga says the existing lawful deadline for the election must be clearly protected in legislation, even if the new Constitution comes into effect earlier than expected.

He is seeking clarification on Section 219, saying the proposed provision should not restart Parliaments four-year term, revive an expired or dissolved Parliament, or allow it to continue without a general election.

Dakuitoga also wants the committee to explain how the proposed Section 211, which allows the President to bring the new Constitution into effect earlier through a proclamation published in the Gazette, would affect the election timetable.

He says the committee must clearly identify which electoral system, nomination requirements, polling rules and deadlines will apply to the next general elections, particularly if constitutional changes take effect while election preparations are already underway.

He is also raising concerns about the proposed emergency powers under Section 201, saying these must not be used to extend Parliaments term or delay an election for political reasons.

Using a severe cyclone as an example, Dakuitoga says there must be clear legal procedures for dealing with genuine disruptions to polling, including who can authorise a delay, the reasons required, independent scrutiny and access to the courts.

He is asking the Government to confirm whether the election will be held in 2026 or January 2027, and if not, to confirm that it will take place no later than 6th February 2027, which he identifies as the last possible date published by election authorities.

Dakuitoga says the preparation of a new Constitution or electoral system should not, by itself, justify extending the current parliamentary term.

He is also calling for the final wording of the relevant constitutional provisions to be published, together with a clear explanation of how the changes would affect the election under either outcome of a possible referendum.

Dakuitoga says the public needs certainty about the election timetable, the applicable laws and the safeguards that will prevent any misuse of constitutional or emergency powers.

We cannot say that we keep on enforcing our Christian state, but some of our iTaukei Christian boys are burning Hindu temples and calling them names. That is not equality.

That is the concern raised by Amalagi Kolikata of Buretu Village while making a submission to the Joint Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 at Vunimono Hall in Nausori.

Kolikata is urging political leaders to promote peace and prioritise the basic needs of the people ahead of the next general election.

She says people want progress and growth for their children and families, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban communities.

Kolikata believes the current political focus will not help the people at this point, saying leaders should instead address issues affecting their daily lives.

She says the priorities should include crime prevention, healthcare and education, including ensuring children return to school and have access to tertiary education.

Kolikata also believes addressing these issues would encourage more people to participate and show their support.

She also raised concerns about crime-related content shared on social media, saying children could be exposed to such content through their parents accounts and develop similar views.

Kolikata called on political leaders to promote peace and work towards a Fiji envisioned by its ancestors, where no one is left out.

The consultation continues in Nadi and Lautoka today.

A Year 8 student of Korovuto Primary School is calling for stronger action against drug dealers targeting young people, while stressing that education, rehabilitation and family support are equally important in protecting children from drugs.

Speaking during a consultation on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, Krystal Kumar questioned whether the Government is doing enough to prevent illegal drugs from reaching schools and communities.

Kumar also raised concerns about whether children are being properly educated about the dangers of drugs before they face pressure to try them.

She says fighting drugs requires more than punishment, stressing the need for early prevention, counselling, rehabilitation and effective law enforcement.

The 14-year-old believes young people who make mistakes should not automatically be treated as having no future, but should instead receive guidance and support to make better choices.

The student also called for schools to provide safe learning environments, while families and communities should support young people through sports, education, cultural activities and youth programmes.

Kumar has urged the Joint Committee to carefully consider how the proposed constitutional changes could affect the rights, safety and future of children.

She says any changes to the Constitution should be clearly explained to the public, with young people also given an opportunity to share their views.

The student stressed that although they are only in Year 8, age should not prevent young people from speaking up on issues affecting their future.

Kumar also says protecting children from drugs is a shared responsibility involving the Government, schools, families and communities.

The Mata-ni-Tikina of Namara, Sekaia Mua, is calling for the Great Council of Chiefs to be formally recognised under the proposed constitutional changes, provincial representation in the Senate and the removal of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Mua raised these issues while making his submission to the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 at Vunimono Hall in Nausori.

He says the Great Council of Chiefs plays an important role in protecting iTaukei culture, traditions and the interests of indigenous communities.

Mua believes the removal of the Council in the past weakened the traditional authority and identity of indigenous Fijians, and says its role should be strengthened under the proposed constitutional changes.

He also supports provincial representation in the Senate, saying this would help maintain the traditional chiefly system and ensure provincial voices are represented.

On FICAC, Mua called for the Commission to be removed, arguing that corruption investigations should instead be handled by the Fiji Police Force.

He questioned FICAC's effectiveness and raised concerns about how corruption cases are handled.

Mua also urged the Committee not to rush the proposed referendum, saying people in villages and rural communities must be given enough time to understand the proposed constitutional changes before making a decision.

He says the Government must ensure the concerns of indigenous Fijians are heard and their interests protected when decisions are made about the country's future.

Meanwhile, Mua also highlighted the serious water shortage affecting people in Namara, Tailevu, saying some families have been forced to use a water source previously declared unsafe by the Ministry of Health.

He says villagers have no alternative water supply, while dry conditions continue to affect their access to clean drinking water.

Mua says the Water Authority of Fiji delivered water on one occasion, but no further supplies have been received.

He says residents have been requesting a proper water supply for years and are still waiting for a lasting solution.

Mua, who has served as Mata-ni-Tikina for four years, says villagers continue to ask him when assistance will arrive.

He is calling on the Government and the Water Authority of Fiji to urgently address the shortage, saying rural communities should not be forgotten.

The Social Democratic Liberal Party is raising concerns that proposed changes to Fiji's Constitution, could allow Parliament's term to be extended by up to 12 months during a state of emergency, potentially delaying elections.

SODELPA is calling on the Special Parliamentary Select Committee and Cabinet, to urgently review Sections 201 and 202 of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 to safeguard people's democratic rights and freedoms.

The party says under Sections 201(3) and (4), if a state of emergency is declared towards the end of Parliament's term, the President, acting on Cabinet's advice, could extend the parliamentary term by up to 12 months.

SODELPA is concerned this could allow a government to remain in power beyond the normal parliamentary term without an election.

While acknowledging the need for emergency powers to respond to natural disasters, health crises and security threats, the party says these should not interfere with people's right to vote.

They also point out that the 2013 Constitution did not provide a mechanism for Cabinet to extend Parliament's four-year term during a state of emergency.

SODELPA is calling for Sections 201(3) and (4) to be removed from the Bill to ensure Parliament's term remains fixed and elections are held as scheduled.

The party has also raised concerns about Section 202, which it says could allow restrictions on certain rights and freedoms during a state of emergency.

These include freedom of speech, assembly and movement, personal privacy and access to information.

SODELPA warns that such powers could be misused to prevent people from speaking out, holding peaceful gatherings or questioning government decisions.

They also want freedom of speech, assembly and movement to be protected from suspension during a state of emergency.

The party stresses that it supports changes to the 2013 Constitution but believes any amendments must safeguard democracy and the rights of all Fijians.

SODELPA is also urging the Government to provide clear and accurate information, about the proposed changes so people can make informed decisions.

They say the constitutional review process must be handled carefully to protect people's rights and avoid unnecessary instability.

Former Lautoka Mayor Kenneth Low has called for the protection of iTaukei rights, culture and traditions in the Constitution and has also expressed his support for recognising Fiji as a Christian State.

During consultations on proposed constitutional amendments, Low says his family has lived in Fiji for four generations, and he believes the Constitution must safeguard the interests of indigenous Fijians for future generations.

Low says he fully supports the Great Council of Chiefs and believes there is nothing wrong with recognising Fiji as a Christian State because, Fiji's identity is closely linked to the culture, traditions and values of its indigenous people.

He raised concerns about immigration and citizenship, saying the indigenous Fijian population is relatively small and constitutional safeguards are needed to protect their culture, rights and interests as the country's population changes.

Low also expressed support for the government's decision to amend the 2013 Constitution rather than replacing it entirely.

He acknowledged that constitutional reform involves political considerations and differing views however, he says developing a Constitution that will serve future generations should take priority over political considerations, including the timing of the next general election.

Low says the government and the committee should take additional time if necessary to ensure Fiji has a Constitution that will benefit future generations.

He says there are people accusing the government for delaying the elections or possibly trying to get more money stating that is just rubbish talk.

He adds the contributions of Indo-Fijians to the country's development should be recognised alongside the interests of indigenous landowners.

Low says landowners should be given greater opportunities and support to benefit from their land.

He has also called for an increase in the retirement age of judges, saying older professionals still have valuable experience and knowledge to contribute.

Low also raised concerns about corruption, drug-related activities and law enforcement, questioning whether authorities are doing enough to address these issues.

While making his submission to the Joint Parliamentary Special Committee at Rakiraki Hall, Ali says every Fijian should be given enough time to understand the proposed constitutional changes and contribute to the process.

He believes rushing the consultations could repeat mistakes of the past and affect public confidence in the constitutional review process.

Ali, who is a sugarcane and cassava farmer, also raised concerns about a change in the scheduled time for the consultation in Rakiraki.

He says residents were initially informed that the consultation would begin at 6pm, but the time was later changed to 10am.

Ali believes this may have contributed to the low turnout, as some residents may have relied on the original schedule.

He says some communities in Rakiraki have limited or no mobile network coverage, making it difficult for residents to receive updates shared only on Facebook.

Ali says important government announcements should also be communicated through the Provincial Administrator's Office and advisory councillors to ensure information reaches people in rural communities.

He stresses that the Constitution is the supreme law of the country and that all Fijians should have a fair opportunity to contribute to any proposed changes.

Ali also believes the findings of the Constitution Review Commission should be respected and reflected in the proposed amendments.

On other issues raised in his submission, Ali is calling for Fiji to remain a secular State and has proposed replacing references to Christianity in the proposed amendments, with references to religion and family values to protect the rights of people from different religious backgrounds.

He has also raised concerns about the proposed provision relating to the chastisement of children, saying parents should take greater responsibility for teaching their children discipline and respect.

Ali is also calling for stronger constitutional protection of freehold land, saying landowners need assurance that their property rights will remain protected in the future.

He says freehold land ownership is particularly important for minority communities.

Ali has urged the Committee to carefully consider public submissions and ensure that the final constitutional amendments reflect the views of all Fijians.

Meanwhile, consultation will be held at Rakiraki Village Hall in Navutulevu from 4pm to 6pm today.

Tomorrow, consultations will be held at Wailotua Village Hall in Wainibuka from 10am to midday and at Korovou Primary School Hall from 3pm to 5pm.

With some creating confusion by saying that the general elections will not be held during the required legal timeline under the 2013 Constitution, and uncertainties surrounding drastic changes to the electoral system that could affect the Fijian Elections Office's preparations with only about 8 weeks to go for the Writ of Elections to be issued, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has today made it clear that logically, the next general elections will be held under the current electoral system.

Rabuka made this clear in an exclusive interview when fijivillage News asked him on whether he can confirm to the people if the next general elections which has to be held by February 6th 2027, will be held under the current electoral system.

We also asked Rabuka whether any electoral changes, including those in the Constitution Amendment Bill on the drawing up of electoral boundaries if a multi constituency electoral system is approved, will be used in the elections after the 2027 elections as we need the boundaries drawn up, and population figures based on the census, which is scheduled to be held next year.

In his response, the Prime Minister says the constituency boundaries have to be drawn up and the census will take place next year.

Rabuka says the census data will provide the essential information for the Electoral Commission to do their work in time for any elections eventually the next government will face.

In a recent interview, Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa had said that the Fijian Elections Office is ready to deliver the general elections under the current system based on the legal timeline where the last day for the Writ of Elections to be issued by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister is December 24th this year and the last date for the general elections is February 6th 2027.

She had said it would be impossible to deliver the general elections operationally within this timeframe if drastic changes are made to the electoral system including a multi constituency system.

The transitional provision of the Constitution Amendment Bill states that on the commencement of the law, the current parliament continues until it is dissolved or ends its term in accordance with section 58 of the 2013 Constitution.

This means the next general elections will be held under the legal timetable specified in the 2013 Constitution - the last day for the Writ of Elections to be issued is 24th December this year and the last day for the general elections is February 6th next year.

It is also stated that the 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill, if passed, will come into force on 31st March 2028.

However the President may, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, fix a date earlier than 31st March 2028.

Despite the commencement, section 58 of the 2013 Constitution continues to apply to the current parliament, and the maximum term of the current parliament remains 4 years from the date of the first meeting of the first Parliament.

The Constitution Amendment Bill also proposes the retention of a 55 member Parliament however a system is proposed where 33 constituency members or such number as Parliament may by written law

prescribe, which includes 5 maritime constituencies chosen directly by the registered voters of those constituencies in a first-past-the-post election; and 22 party list members or such number as Parliament may by written law prescribe, allocated to political parties in proportion to the total number of votes for the candidates of that party in the constituency seats.

Parliament or the House of Representatives is to be composed in a manner that reflects, as closely as practicable, the proportion of votes cast for political parties.

A political party is entitled to proportional representation if it secures not less than

5 percent of the party vote.

Constituency seats won are deducted from each party’s proportional entitlement, with the balance filled from party lists.

The Party list seats must be allocated in accordance with a written law prescribing an appropriate mathematical rounding method, which rounds fractions to whole numbers to determine seat allocations.

Candidates unaffiliated with a political party may contest constituency seats, and if elected, serve as independent members without affecting proportional allocation.

A candidate of a party can stand for election in a constituency seat and be included in the party’s list for a party list seat.

The Bill says Parliament may provide, by written law, for temporary special measures relating to the way in which party lists must be constituted, for example measures to ensure, as far as possible, equal numbers of male and female candidates; or measures to otherwise facilitate diverse representation on party lists.

The maritime constituencies are Rotuma, Yasawa, Kadavu, Lomaiviti and Lau.

A candidate for election to the House of Representatives must be either nominated by a registered political party or nominated as an independent candidate in accordance with the laws governing elections.

A person may be a candidate for election to the House of Representatives only if the person is a citizen of Fiji; is qualified to be registered as a voter and is registered on the Register of

Voters; is ordinarily resident in Fiji for at least 2 years immediately before being nominated; is not an undischarged bankrupt; is not a member of the Electoral Commission and has not been a member of that Commission at any time during the 4 years immediately before being nominated; is not subject to a sentence of imprisonment when nominated; has not, at any time during the 8 years immediately before being nominated, been convicted of an offence under any law for which the maximum penalty is a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more; and has not, in the 5 years immediately before being nominated, been found guilty of any offence under a law relating to elections, registration of political parties or registration of voters.

The total number of candidates that a political party may nominate for any general election must not be more than the total number of seats in the House of Representatives, and the total number of candidates that a political party may nominate for any by-election must not be more than the total number of vacant seats in the House of Representatives for which the by-election is held.

If a seat in the House of Representatives becomes vacant, the vacancy must be filled in the case of a constituency seat, by a by-election; and in the case of a party list seat, by the next candidate on the party list; or if there is no next candidate on the party list, by a by-election.

The Bill also proposes the House of Representatives continues for 5 years from the date of its first meeting after a general election of the members of the House of Representatives, unless sooner dissolved in accordance with the Constitution.

Tailevu resident Leone Tagicakibau is calling for children aged 16 and under to be banned from using social media platforms, including TikTok, to protect them from negative influences and help them become responsible future leaders.

While making his submission to the Joint Parliamentary Special Committee on the Constitution Amendment Bill at Rakiraki Hall, Tagicakibau says he is concerned about the behaviour and vulgar language used by some young people on social media.

He believes children need proper guidance and protection from harmful influences as they grow up.

Tagicakibau says restricting social media access for children aged 16 and under could help prepare them to become responsible leaders in the future.

He also raises concerns about what he sees as a lack of youth representation in national leadership.

Tagicakibau says young people should be given more opportunities to serve on boards and statutory bodies so they can contribute to important decisions affecting the country.

He stresses that young people should not only be regarded as leaders of tomorrow but should also be recognised as leaders of today.

Tagicakibau, who travelled from Nadi to Rakiraki to make his submission, says he wanted to contribute to the constitutional review process as a young leader concerned about Fiji's future.

On other issues raised in his submission, Tagicakibau proposes recognising Christianity as an important part of Fiji's history and national values while respecting freedom of religion and the rights of people from other religious backgrounds.

He says his intention is to preserve Fiji's Christian heritage, while ensuring that everyone can continue to live and worship freely.

Tagicakibau also highlights the importance of recognising Fijian identity and cultural heritage while respecting people of all races who call Fiji home.

Fiji must urgently address the growing concerns over HIV and drug-related issues, with stronger community support and greater efforts to reach those affected.

This was highlighted by Founder of Drug Free World Fiji and People’s First Party proposed candidate, Kalesi Toga   Volatabu, who resides in Wailevu, during the Constitution (Amendment) Bill consultation.

Volatabu raises concerns about the country's HIV and drug crisis, questioning who is speaking for the affected communities and what more needs to be done to address the gaps.

She says the proposed constitutional changes must consider the needs of ordinary iTaukei people, particularly those whose voices are often not heard in decision-making.

Volatabu points out that, according to the figures she cited during her submission, iTaukei people account for 90 percent of new HIV cases, questioning what is being done to address the situation and how communities can be better supported.

She says there is a disconnection between decision-makers and people on the ground, stressing the need to understand the challenges communities are facing and respond to their needs.

Volatabu says she is not against having a constitution, as every country needs one, but believes people must be given sufficient time to understand and consider the proposed changes.

She also raises concerns about the proposed constitutional role and powers of the Great Council of Chiefs, questioning whether the arrangements would ensure ordinary iTaukei people are adequately represented and able to hold decision-makers accountable.

Volatabu says the abilities, skills and capacity of those entrusted with significant powers must be considered, along with whether they will speak for everyone rather than a select group.

She stresses that iTaukei women must also have a stronger voice in the constitutional review process, saying their experiences and priorities differ depending on their age, disability, income and education.

Volatabu notes that only one woman was present on the review platform during the consultation, raising concerns about the level of women's participation and representation.

She says more women must be given opportunities to contribute to decisions that affect them and their communities.

Volatabu also questions the short timeframe for the constitutional review, describing the 11-week consultation period as rushed.

She compares this with the 2013 Constitution review process, which she says took four years and received more than 7,000 submissions.

She says a constitution that governs the entire country must be fair and just for everyone, rather than being shaped only by influential people or the elite.

While welcoming the opportunity for the review team to meet people directly, Volatabu says more must be done to ensure communities across Fiji have the chance to participate and share their views.

She also questions the accountability of those appointed under the proposed arrangements, particularly in relation to the appointment of the President and Vice-President, stressing the need for proper checks and balances.

Volatabu further raises concerns about the iTaukei Land Trust Board, saying that although it is mandated to serve landowners, her experience on the ground has led her to question whether their interests are being prioritised over those of investors.

She says the role of the TLTB should be strengthened to ensure it remains focused on serving and protecting the interests of the people it represents.

Volatabu says the issue is not simply whether the Great Council of Chiefs should have a constitutional role, but whether any significant powers given to it would be balanced by clear guarantees that ordinary iTaukei people, particularly women, can participate in, understand and scrutinise decisions made in their name.

She warns that rushing constitutional changes risks making the process appear imposed rather than shared, saying people need sufficient time, accessible information and a genuine opportunity to influence the proposed changes before a referendum.

Volatabu says the views of the Great Council of Chiefs are important but cannot replace the voices of all iTaukei people or the wider population of Fiji.

She says she does not support Clause 2.7, Chapter 4 of the proposed Bill, which she believes gives significant powers to the Great Council of Chiefs without sufficient guarantees for ordinary iTaukei people to have their say.

Volatabu ended her submission with a clear message: “Nothing about us without us.”

Ordinary Fijians cannot be expected to understand complex constitutional changes in just 11 days, and need more time to make informed submissions on proposals that could shape the country's future.

This is the concern raised by Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Commissioner Alefina Vuki, who says people need proper public education, clear explanations and sufficient time to understand the proposed amendments.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Vuki says the Constitution is a complex legal document, and people should not be expected to fully understand the proposed changes within such a short period.

She says the Government should provide public education on the 2013 Constitution, the Constitutional Review Commission's report, the proposed amendments and the Government's revised draft.

Vuki says people also need time to seek advice from teachers, doctors and others in their communities who can help explain the proposals.

She is calling for the documents to be translated into iTaukei and Hindi, while the English versions should be written in plain language to make them easier to understand.

Vuki stresses that people cannot make informed decisions if they do not understand what is being proposed.

She says the Commission supports amending the 2013 Constitution because it believes the document was imposed on the people.

However, Vuki says the Commission's main concern is not whether the Constitution should be changed, but how the changes are being carried out.

She says constitutional amendments require greater public consultation and accountability than ordinary laws because the Constitution is the country's highest law.

Vuki also questions the limited time allocated for public submissions, pointing out that only three hours were provided for submissions in Suva.

She says the Commission decided not to make an oral presentation because it wanted ordinary members of the public to have more time to express their views.

Instead, the Commission submitted its views in writing before the deadline.

Vuki says the Commission also needed sufficient time to assess the proposed changes against the nine international human rights conventions she says Fiji has ratified.

She explains that this includes examining whether the proposed Bill of Rights meets Fiji's international human rights commitments.

Vuki says such an assessment requires careful consideration and cannot be completed without sufficient time.

She also points to the process that led to the 1997 Constitution, saying the committee responsible took about 13 months to complete its work.

Vuki believes Fiji should learn from previous constitutional review processes and allow enough time for meaningful public participation.

She stresses that Fijians must be given a fair opportunity to understand the proposed changes, ask questions and make informed submissions before decisions are made about the country's Constitution.

SODELPA Leader, Aseri Radrodro stresses that asthe Party Leader, like SODELPA MP,  Viliame Gavoka, he is bound to the supreme authority of the party which is their general assembly and they had made their position clear during the party Special General Assembly.

While responding to Gavoka's comments that he is devastated by the party’s stance that they will not support the vote for the Constitution Amendment Bill and the SODELPA MPs have to vote against the Bill in the final reading in Parliament on Monday, Radrodro says he will encourage Gavoka to utilize his unique position being a member of the Special Committee and lobby them on the pertinent issues that is stopping SODELPA from supporting the Bill in its current form.

Radrodro says Gavoka could be helpful that way and SODELPA will be grateful for his input to enable SODELPA to deliver according to the wishes of its members and citizens of Fiji who have publicly shared similar sentiments.

He says this is a defining moment for Fiji that should unite us rather than divide or polarize us and SODELPA will always listen to the voices of the people.

Radrodro stresses this must not be an election promise exercise but must be one in which every citizen's voice is considered and our laws changed or improved and we all take ownership of it.

Immunity will not be extended until the first sitting of the new Parliament following the next general elections because of a typing error in the Constitution Amendment Bill.

Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica says concerns that everyone would be protected until 2027 are nonsense.

Kamikamica made this clear during the Fijian Media Association Town Hall Forum on the Constitution Amendment Bill at FNU Nasinu.

He stresses that there was a mistake in the draft which is still a Bill which will be amended.

Education Minister and SODELPA Leader Aseri Radrodro emphasised that the immunity clause should be removed as this is one of the reasons why the party is rejecting the Bill in the current form. 

He says late former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase initiated the affirmative action with iTaukei. and they see the 2013 Constitution as a weapon that was used to eliminate that affirmative action.

Government MP and Leader of the National Federation Party Professor Biman Prasad also stresses that they do not support any kind of immunity in any constitution.

He says there are people in this country who have supported coups and got away with them.

He says there should never be immunity for coup makers, those who enable coups, or those who form part of a coup government.

Fiji Labour Party Leader and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry also says the immunity clause should be completely out of the constitution.

When questioned that Professor Prasad was perhaps referring to him as someone who supported the 2006 coup, Chaudhry says his entry into the Bainimarama Government as Finance Minister was at the request of the President.

However, when pushed by fijivillage News Director Vijay Narayan and MaiTV Director Stanley Simpson that a coup is a coup and questioned if it should be justified, Chaudhry says Bainimarama took over the government because Qarase was pushing for the Reconciliation Bill, releasing the coup makers from prison and paying them while they were in prison, but Qarase did not listen.

It was also highlighted that the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai had stated that they do not agree with the extension of the immunity to the new Parliament.

Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube says they have always been against immunity as it sends the wrong signal to everybody in Fiji and reinforces the coup culture.

He says legal implications of removing immunity need to be examined but argues that there may be other ways to address the concerns without including immunity in the Constitution.

Opposition MP Premila Kumar says the Supreme Court's opinion was to retain the 2013 Constitution, including Chapter 10, while opening the door to a process of constitutional change.

She says removing the 2013 Constitution would also remove Chapter 10, and it would be inconsistent to introduce a new Constitution with immunity provisions under Chapter 14.

Kumar says the Supreme Court's decision must be read in its entirety and it is not fair to retain parts of the decision while disregarding others.

She says immunity should not be included in the 2026 Constitution if the Government is proceeding in line with the Supreme Court's decision.

One Nation President Roko Tupou Draunidalo says the Supreme Court's opinion to Cabinet is not a judgement or ruling and says it cannot bind Parliament or rewrite the Constitution.

She supports retaining the 2013 Constitution, including its immunity provisions, arguing that immunity was intended to enable a peaceful transfer of power from revolutionary governments through elections rather than continued conflict.

Kamikamica has stressed that the Court's opinion is legally binding.

He says the Supreme Court has reasoned that if the immunity clause is removed, the Government, the two former Prime Ministers, the military, judges, civil servants and even Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry could face lawsuits because Chaudhry was part of the first Cabinet after the 2006 coup, potentially creating instability.

The consultation on the Constitution Amendment Bill concludes this week, with a report expected to be tabled in Parliament next week and voting following the third reading.