Sitiveni Rabuka Tables Comprehensive Fiji Constitution Amendment Bill

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka tabled the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 in Parliament, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the 2013 Constitution. The legislation seeks to establish a 23-member Senate to review legislation and transition the 55-member House of Representatives to a mixed electoral system consisting of 33 constituency seats and 22 party-list seats.

Additional proposals include granting the Bose Levu Vakaturaga the authority to appoint the President and Vice-President, guaranteeing religious freedom, and expanding the Bill of Rights to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Rabuka stated that the constitutional process involves Parliament and the people rather than the government alone.

The Bill has drawn criticism from several figures. Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai condemned a clause providing absolute immunity to the military and state actors until the first sitting of the new parliament, arguing that no individual should stand above the law. Additionally, the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue claimed the Bill concentrates power in the executive and weakens accountability.

To become law, the Bill requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament—calculated based on 53 occupied seats—and approval via a national referendum. If passed, the changes are scheduled to take effect on March 31, 2028.