Hon. Biman Prasad Refutes Seruiratu’s Claims Over Constitutional Talks

Deputy Prime Minister and National Federation Party (NFP) leader, Professor Biman Prasad, has dismissed claims by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu regarding the absence of NFP and SODELPA members from recent bipartisan discussions on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025.

Seruiratu had questioned why representatives from the two coalition parties were not present at a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka ahead of the parliamentary debate on the bill.

He suggested their absence raised concerns about the government’s commitment to unity.

In response, Prasad stated that the meeting was an arrangement between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and that coalition discussions take place in their own manner.

“They asked for a meeting with the Prime Minister, so that’s a matter between him as Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister. Of course, we are a coalition; we discuss things in our own ways, but we are all in this together,” Prasad said.

He further accused the opposition of being “completely confused” about the amendment process, adding that their vote against the bill contradicts their continued calls for dialogue.

“The fact that they want to do a review still leaves some room for further discussions,” Prasad added.