Kamikamica: 2013 Constitution Must Be Reviewed and Changed

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has reiterated the People's Coalition Government’s stance on constitutional amendments, stating that the 2013 Constitution was "imposed on the People of Fiji" and must be reviewed, changed, or even set aside.

In a statement on social media, Kamikamica welcomed the national discussions on constitutional amendments, adding that the process has now drawn out its "architect into the sun." He accused the previous administration of deception and claimed that their governance was riddled with "lies and untruths."

"The truth is this. The 2013 Constitution was imposed on the People of Fiji. It must be changed, reviewed, and even set aside. Don’t listen to me. The Courts have said so in recent rulings that 2013 was imposed," Kamikamica said.

He contrasted the current government's legal approach with that of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (ASK), whom he accused of abrogating the 1997 Constitution and discarding a draft constitution prepared by legal expert Yash Ghai.

"Apparently, ASK had brought in Decree 57 and 58 to guide the creation of their new Constitution but then breached their own laws by burning Yash Ghai’s Constitution. A familiar playbook, to be sure," Kamikamica stated.

He criticized the opposition, referring to the "G14" as being "severely out of touch with the People of Fiji" and suggested they had missed an opportunity to distance themselves from Sayed-Khaiyum’s influence.

Kamikamica confirmed that the government is preparing to take the matter to the Supreme Court, citing Section 91(5) of the Constitution, and maintained that all parliamentary remedies have been exhausted.

"As we debate this issue, let’s argue on the facts and not get emotive. Fiji will win in the end. That is why I believe we need the 2013 Constitution reviewed and changed," he said.