Rotumans Want Self-Governance, Says Constitution Review Commission

Rotumans have expressed a desire for greater self-governance, according to the 2026 Constitution Review Commission Report.

The Commission says submissions from Rotuma called for greater recognition of the island’s distinct identity and for Rotumans to have greater control over their own affairs.

In response, the Commission has recommended a dedicated chapter for Rotuma in the Constitution and recognition of the Rotuma Island Council as the primary institution responsible for Rotuman governance, land, seas, customs and customary law.

The Commission has also recommended that Rotuma be given a constitutional right to initiate a process of self-determination.

However, the report notes that the Rotuma Island Council’s submission did not call for Rotuma to separate from Fiji.

Any future change to Rotuma’s political status would have to follow constitutional safeguards and could not occur automatically.

The recommendations are part of the wider Constitution Review Commission Report currently before the Government and Parliament and have not been adopted as law.