SUVA, (FIJI TIMES)-Fiji Coalition partner the National Federation Party (NFP) wants Christianity removed as a founding constitutional value of the State, arguing that Fiji’s next Constitution must protect the rights and identities of all religious communities.
NFP president Parmod Chand said the party’s participation in Parliament’s Special Committee reviewing the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, and its support for the proposed changes, remained conditional on an extension of public consultation until mid-December and the adoption of key amendments.
The party’s Management Board resolved that Christianity could receive appropriate historical recognition in the Constitution’s preamble, but should not be entrenched as a founding constitutional value under Clause 1.
Chand said the proposed constitutional changes must reflect the informed consent of the people rather than the political convenience of those in power.
“The Constitution is the most important law of our nation. Its legitimacy must come from the people, not the political convenience of those in power,” he said in a statement.
The NFP’s position comes as debate continues over the proposed constitutional changes and the place of religion in Fiji’s national identity.
The party maintains that replacing the 2013 Constitution must not become another exercise in imposing constitutional arrangements on the people without adequate consultation.
Chand said the party was concerned that the Government’s proposed 19-day timetable included only 13 days for public consultation, two days for report writing and one day to finalise the report.
He said the party wanted the consultation period extended until mid-December, with the proposed Constitution translated into vernacular languages to allow wider public participation.
Beyond the question of religion, the NFP has outlined a series of proposed changes covering land ownership and tenancy rights, parliamentary representation, the Senate, children’s rights, constitutional immunity, civilian control of the military and the independence of constitutional offices.
The party is also calling for stronger protection of fundamental rights, greater transparency and accountability, electoral independence, anti-corruption reforms and stronger environmental safeguards.
Chand said these principles reflected positions the NFP had maintained for more than six decades and were intended to protect the rights, dignity and democratic future of all Fijians.
Party leader Professor Biman Prasad will continue representing the NFP on the parliamentary committee, with the party favouring dialogue and consensus rather than a walkout.
However, Chand stressed that participation in the process should not be interpreted as unconditional support for the Bill.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Fiji. It must reflect their informed consent, protect their rights and endure long after the politicians of today have left office,” he said…..PACNEWS