National Federation Party rejects fast-tracking of Fiji Constitution Bill

The National Federation Party (NFP) has rejected the Prime Minister’s attempt to fast-track the Constitution Amendment Bill by announcing a referendum date of December 9. NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad stated that the announcement is premature and inconsistent with Section 160(3) of the 2013 Constitution, as the Bill has not yet been passed by Parliament.

Prasad emphasized that a bipartisan special parliamentary committee has not yet begun its scrutiny or public consultation process. He argued that the public requires sufficient time to understand the draft Constitution and any subsequent changes made by the committee. The NFP, alongside the People’s Alliance and SODELPA, maintains that the Prime Minister lacks the legal authority to set the referendum date, as that power rests with the President following parliamentary approval.

Prasad noted that while the NFP supported the Bill at its second reading to ensure public participation, they oppose rushing the process. He suggested that if the constitutional process must extend beyond the next general election to ensure transparency and unity, that should be the case.