NFP tells Rabuka it will vote against Constitution Amendment Bill

The National Federation Party has informed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka that its MPs will oppose the Constitution Amendment Bill at its third and final reading next week.

In a letter to Rabuka, NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad urged the People’s Alliance to withdraw the Bill and delay constitutional reform until after the General Election.

Prasad said NFP supported replacing the 2013 Constitution but believed the process was rushed, leaving people little time to understand and debate the proposed changes.

He said differences over national identity, religion and immunity for past unlawful acts required greater national consensus. He also criticised the exclusion of opposition parties from the Constitution Review Committee process.

NFP backed the Bill’s second reading to allow public consultation but remained concerned about the tight timetable.

Its decision follows SODELPA’s directive for its MPs to oppose the Bill, increasing pressure on the People’s Alliance to secure enough support.

Prasad said NFP remained willing to work with Rabuka on a more inclusive and accountable reform process.