Fiji’s constitution-making history
1997 Constitution
1994 - 1997
Developed through an independent Constitution Review Commission and a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee, the 1997 Constitution introduced multi-ethnic power-sharing and a Bill of Rights.
At a glance
Duration
~3 years
Commission / body
Fiji Constitution Review Commission (Reeves Commission)
Outcome
1997 Constitution
Timeline
- Jul 1994Government and Opposition agree to a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee
- Mar 1995Fiji Constitution Review Commission appointed
- 1995 - 1996Consultation and research period
- 6 Sep 1996Reeves Commission Report submitted
- 14 May 1997Joint Parliamentary Select Committee response
- 19971997 Constitution adopted
Background and context
The process leading to the 1997 Constitution followed an extended constitutional review involving a three-member Constitution Review Commission, wide consultation and research, a formal commission report, and subsequent multi-party parliamentary review and negotiation.
Who led the process?
- Sir Paul Reeves (Chair)
- Tomasi Vakatora Snr
- Dr Brij Lal
Documents from this process
OFFICIAL CONSTITUTION
Constitution of the Republic of Fiji 1997
The 1997 Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.
Dates and figures drawn from CDD working notes; verify against primary sources before relying on specific figures.