Fiji: Prime Minister Rabuka sets conditions for constitutional reform in 2025

During the last fortnight, Prime Minister Rabuka made three noteworthy announcements. On 2 January, he stated his intention to continue to lead the People’s Alliance party into the 2026 general election. During the morning of 10 January, seven former opposition members of parliament were sworn in to ministerial and assistant ministerial positions. Notable appointments include former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) officer and Police Commissioner Ioane Naivalurua as Minister for Policing, and former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto as Minister for Immigration. In the afternoon of 10 January, PM Rabuka announced his continued intention to seek constitutional reform. 

Assessment: The ministerial appointments secure nine additional votes in Parliament, bringing the governing coalition to 38 of the 55 seats (70%). Constitutional reform requires 75% of votes in parliament and in a national referendum. It has been a consistent goal for PM Rabuka since taking office in 2022, with a primary goal to make it easier for the Government to change the constitution. Reform has also been supported by the reinstated Great Council of Chiefs who seek to remove limitations placed on the iTaukei indigenous group by the 2013 Constitution imposed by former coup leader Frank Bainimarama (see SPI #8, 7-20 November 2024). The ministerial portfolios were previously held by the PM. The new delegations will support reform also sought by the PM following the 2024 National Defence and Security Report, while also insulating him from any failures to deliver change ahead of the 2026 election.

Sources: “Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs Chair: Constitutional Reform Essential to Tackle Indigenous Issues,” RNZ, November 14, 2024; FBC News, “Relook at 2013 Constitution Necessary, Time to Heal Says PM,” FBC News, October 12, 2024; “PM Set to Lead for 2026 Election,” Fiji Sun, January 2, 2025; FBC News, “PM Hints Once Again at Constitution Change,” FBC News, January 10, 2025; FBC News, “New Ministers Sworn in at State House,” FBC News, January 10, 2025; FBC News, “NFP Content with Cabinet Expansion,” FBC News, January 13, 2025.