# Fiji indigenous rights and constitutional reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fiji-indigenous-rights-and-constitutional-reform
> Updated: 2026-09-21T03:53:40.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

Fiji is undergoing legislative and constitutional reviews focused on indigenous rights and governance structures. Initially, Parliament’s Standing Committee began reviewing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill to align national law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. President Adi Finau Tabakaucoro of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei advocated for the bill to facilitate self-determination, noting that “existing laws have limited indigenous peoples’ ability to exercise it.”

Following a six-month review process involving 1,220 submissions and consultations at 105 venues, the Fiji Constitutional Review Commission submitted a draft report to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The Commission proposed significant changes to the 2013 Constitution to address criticisms that it is unrepresentative or anti-indigenous. Key recommendations include establishing a bicameral legislature with a 60-member system comprising a House of Representatives and a Senate, reinstating the Public Service Commission, and granting constitutional recognition to the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs).

Further proposals include the repeal of coup immunity provisions, shifting the military’s focus toward external defense, and implementing stricter rules for motions of no confidence. The draft also includes provisions that could prevent Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka from serving a third term by restricting individuals who have already served two terms as Prime Minister. 

In a separate development, chief Ratu Tevita Mara has urged Parliament to delay the ratification of the Vuvale Union and the Veitacini Treaty with Australia, calling for more independent scrutiny and public participation to ensure the nation understands the commitments involved.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Fiji proposes sweeping constitutional reforms and governance overhaul

Fiji faces major political shifts as a new draft constitution proposes bicameralism, the removal of coup immunity, and term limits for the Prime Minister, alongside calls to scrutinize new security treaties.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-civil-society-warns-of-risks-in-rushed-constitutional-changes

### 2026-08-31: Fiji Constitutional Review Commission proposes major changes

Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission has proposed reinstating the Senate and the Bose Levu Vakaturaga in a new draft constitution submitted to the President.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-constitutional-review-commission-proposes-major-changes

### 2026-08-08: Fiji reviews Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill

Fiji's proposed Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill is under parliamentary review, with leaders calling for practical outcomes and stronger rights to self-determination under UNDRIP.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-reviews-rights-of-indigenous-peoples-bill

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Cite as: Fiji indigenous rights and constitutional reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fiji-indigenous-rights-and-constitutional-reform