Dialogue Fiji Urges Government to Retain Referendum Requirement for Constitutional Amendments

Dialogue Fiji has raised concerns over the Fijian Government’s proposed reforms to the amendment provisions of the 2013 Constitution, particularly the removal of the existing referendum requirement for constitutional changes.

In a statement, Dialogue Fiji’s Executive Director, Nilesh Lal, warned that eliminating the referendum process would undermine public participation in constitutional reform and risk weakening safeguards that protect the rights and interests of all Fijians, especially minority communities.

“This proposal fundamentally undermines the principle of public participation in constitutional reform,” said Lal. “It risks eroding the safeguards that protect the rights and interests of all Fijians, especially minority communities.

Reforming the law should mean improving governance, not enabling regressive changes that weaken our democratic principles.”

Lal stressed that a referendum ensures public scrutiny and democratic legitimacy, both of which are vital for preserving social cohesion and stability. He urged the government to reconsider its stance and uphold the principle of inclusive governance.

Dialogue Fiji also expressed caution regarding the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025’s proposal to lower the parliamentary threshold for constitutional amendments from three-quarters to two-thirds. While acknowledging that a reduced threshold might make amendments more feasible, the organization warned that it must not compromise the broad consensus necessary for significant changes to Fiji’s Constitution.

“One possible compromise is a variable threshold: major reforms involving core rights or foundational principles could still require the higher threshold, while less sweeping amendments might be adopted with two-thirds support,” Dialogue Fiji suggested.

Furthermore, the organization highlighted concerns about the erosion of trust in Fiji’s governance system, warning that the government must engage in a transparent and inclusive process to ensure public confidence in constitutional amendments.

“True legitimacy depends on consensus and trust,” said Lal. “Public confidence in the government will only increase if the constitutional amendment process is conducted in an inclusive, consultative, and deliberative way.”

Dialogue Fiji called on the government, civil society, political parties, and the international community to work together to uphold a governance framework that safeguards the rights of all Fijians, preserves institutional stability, and advances democratic values.