NFP Calls for More Time Before Constitutional Referendum

The National Federation Party says more time should be allowed for parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation before a referendum is held on proposed constitutional changes.

In a statement issued today, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad responded to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement of December 9 as a proposed referendum date, saying the Constitution Amendment Bill still has several stages to go through.

Prasad noted that the bipartisan Special Parliamentary Committee, which Parliament unanimously agreed to establish last week, is yet to begin its scrutiny of the Bill and consultations with the public.

He said the NFP supported the Bill at its second reading to allow the constitutional process to move forward and give Fijians an opportunity to participate in discussions on the proposed changes.

However, Prasad said sufficient time should be provided for people to understand the proposed amendments and express their views.

He said meaningful public consultation may require more than 30 days and suggested the process should not be restricted by a tight timeframe.

Prasad also raised concerns over the announcement of December 9 as the proposed referendum date, noting that the Bill has not yet completed the parliamentary process.

“Parliament has not passed it,” he said.

He added that any amendments arising from the committee process should also be clearly presented to the public before a referendum is held.

Prasad said the committee should first examine the current draft, consult widely with the public and then return the Bill to Parliament for further consideration.

The NFP’s preference is for a referendum to be held next year following the elections, allowing additional time for consultation and consideration.

“The draft Constitution belongs to the people. It does not belong to the politicians,” Prasad said, while calling on the Prime Minister to reconsider the proposed timeframe.