Fiji's Essential Constitution Reform for National Unity and Democratic Progress

Fiji experienced a crucial development when Commodore Frank Bainimarama's regime introduced a new Constitution. Bainimarama had led Fiji since a military coup displaced the existing government. The new Constitution represented a significant shift from prior governance structures and was intended to end decades of political instability marked by multiple coups. The new Constitution introduced changes aimed at promoting unity and non-discrimination. It provided for a single national constituency, replacing the communal voting system that had existed previously. With the new voting framework, all citizens were granted equal weight in the selection of their representatives, aiming to foster a sense of inclusive national identity over ethnic divisions. Critics expressed concerns over the new Constitution's development process, arguing that it lacked sufficient public consultation and transparency. Additionally, they raised alarms about provisions that consolidated power within the executive branch while rest