Fiji civil society warns about govt rushing constitutional change

Concern is mounting among Fiji civil society over signs the government may extend the length of Parliament in order to push through constitutional changes.

Fiji’s government has hinted that a new constitution could be in place by Christmas Eve.

Cabinet has endorsed the Constitution Review Commission’s report to be presented in Parliament and has supported a request for a special sitting this week.

• READ MORE: Fiji targets new constitution by Christmas Eve as watchdog warns of ‘self-coup’ risk
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In a joint statement, leading civil society groups warn that a rushed constitutional process could amount to a “self-coup” if it delays the next general election.

Elections are due to be held by February 2027, but the Rabuka-led government has not announced a date yet.

The civll society groups have called on MPs across party lines to reject any constitutional timetable that risks taking Fiji beyond the democratic life of the current Parliament.

The groups include the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, the Fiji Council of Social Services, the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, FemLink Pacific, the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding, and the Social Empowerment and Education Programme.

They called on the government to guarantee that “if any major change to the electoral system is proposed, it must be subject to a clear transitional provision stating that the next general election will proceed under the existing electoral framework”.

“The people of Fiji will be given adequate time, clear information and a meaningful opportunity to consider any proposed Constitution before any referendum is held.”