Coalition’s Constitution Amendment Bill Defeated in Parliament

In a dramatic turn of events, the much-debated Constitution Amendment Bill, also known as Bill 1 of 2025, has been defeated in parliament after a vote that saw significant division among lawmakers.

The bill, which aimed to make key amendments to the nation’s constitution, was met with intense debate over several days. Despite strong support from the ruling coalition, the bill failed to garner the necessary votes to pass.

In the final vote, 40 members of parliament (MPs) voted in favor of the bill, while 14 MPs voted against it. One MP abstained from voting. To pass, the coalition required 75% of the vote — equivalent to a 3/4 majority — but fell short of this threshold.

The outcome marks a significant setback for the coalition, which had pushed for the amendment as a central part of their governance agenda.

Critics called on the Government to make clear what changes to the Constitution they are planning before removing the 75% threshold and referendum requirements.

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu during the debate urged the Government to complete the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process before attempting to amend the 2013 Constitution.

Seruiratu emphasized that Fiji’s history of coups makes its constitutional journey unique.

He highlighted the extensive consultations conducted before the 2013 Constitution was adopted and called for bipartisan cooperation.

While acknowledging the Government’s majority, he urged caution and inclusivity in any constitutional amendments.

Rinesh Sharma had previously voted in favor of tabling the Bill alongside MPs Sanjay Kirpal, Shalen Kumar, and Sachida Nand, changed his mind today, we are told, as social media users mocked him all week for not understanding what he was voting for.

Sharma is now calling on the Government to present the full content of the proposed constitutional amendments to both Parliament and the people of Fiji.

As the parliamentary session adjourns, it remains unclear what steps the government will take next in response to the defeat of Bill 1 of 2025. Political observers are now closely watching for any signs of tension or shifts within the coalition.