Aren Nunnik has called for more time to be given to the public to consider the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, while raising serious concerns over the omission of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the proposed composition of the Senate.
While making his submission during the Constitution Amendment Bill consultation in Savusavu, Nunnik questioned why the government was moving towards a third reading in Parliament in early November and a proposed referendum on December 9th, when the proposed legislation states that it will come into force on March 31st, 2028.
He says the current government should be allowed to complete its term, with the next government continuing the process through wider consultations and giving members of the public more time to consider the implications of the proposed constitutional changes.
Nunnik also questioned why the legislation is being described as an amendment to the 2013 Constitution when, according to his reading of the Bill, it proposes to repeal all provisions of the existing Constitution.
He argues that this amounts to introducing a completely new Constitution and therefore requires wider and more carefully considered public consultation before a referendum is held.
Nunnik also raised concerns about the reported $40 million cost of holding a nationwide referendum, saying it would be unreasonable to spend such an amount on a separate exercise when businesses and ordinary Fijians are already facing high taxes and fuel prices.
He says if a referendum must be held, it should take place alongside the next general election to reduce costs and allow more time for public debate.
Nunnik says there is also a risk of spending millions of dollars on a referendum that may fail to meet the required threshold.
Meanwhile, Nunnik expressed serious concern over what he described as the complete omission of FICAC from the proposed Constitution.
He claims the omission is suspicious, particularly at a time when Fiji is dealing with serious concerns about drug trafficking, money laundering and alleged involvement of public officials in criminal activities.
Nunnik says the controversies surrounding FICAC should not be used as a reason to remove constitutional provisions for the institution.
He believes the problems surrounding the commission reflect weaknesses in appointment processes rather than the need to do away with FICAC itself.
Nunnik says Fiji needs a stronger and more effective FICAC now more than ever.
He has called for the proposed legislation to include provisions establishing FICAC and to allow suitably qualified expatriates to be appointed as the FICAC Commissioner and Commissioner of Police.
He has also urged Members of Parliament to vote against the Bill at its third reading if FICAC is not included.
Nunnik says if the Bill proceeds to a referendum without these provisions, he would encourage voters concerned about corruption in the civil service, security services and Parliament to vote against it.
On the proposed reintroduction of the Senate, Nunnik says he supports the idea in principle but is concerned about the possibility of unelected senators having the power to block legislation passed by elected Members of Parliament.
He claims that under the proposed arrangement, 14 senators would be selected by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and appointed by the President, while another six would be selected by the Prime Minister.
Nunnik says this would mean 20 of the 23 senators would not be elected by the people.
He believes this is unacceptable and that ultimate legislative authority should remain with the people through their elected representatives.
Nunnik is calling for the proposed Senate's membership and the process of selecting, appointing or electing senators to be reconsidered before the constitutional changes proceed.
