Submission on the Fiji Government Draft Constitution 2026 (Bill No. 32 of 2026)

The Centre for Democracy & Dialogue (CDD) submits a detailed assessment of Fiji’s Government Draft Constitution 2026 (Bill No. 32 of 2026) to the Parliamentary Special Committee. The submission argues for preserving the democratic foundations of the 2013 Constitution while addressing executive concentration of power. It recommends retaining the national open-list proportional representation system, a unicameral fully elected Parliament and a four-year parliamentary term; establishing an independent Constitutional Offices Commission and stronger judicial appointments; restoring Cabinet and Prime Ministerial limits, political-finance safeguards, elected local government, independent integrity institutions and effective rights-enforcement mechanisms; removing the constitutional permission for physical punishment of children and prospective immunity risks; and clarifying constitutional commencement and transitional arrangements. The publication includes CDD’s detailed proposed amendment schedule identifying GDC provisions, drafting or policy concerns, recommended changes and supporting reasons.