Constitution-making processes
Comparing how Fiji’s constitutions were made helps us understand what makes a process credible, inclusive and durable.
1997 Constitution
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.
View this process →Jul 1994
Government and Opposition agree to a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee
Mar 1995
Fiji Constitution Review Commission appointed
1995 - 1996
Consultation and research period
6 Sep 1996
Reeves Commission Report submitted
14 May 1997
Joint Parliamentary Select Committee response
1997
1997 Constitution adopted
Duration
~3 years
Commission
Reeves Commission
Outcome
1997 Constitution
2013 Constitution
Following the People’s Charter and a highly consultative Ghai Commission process, an independent draft was prepared in 2012; a Government-authored text was ultimately adopted in 2013.
View this process →2008
People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress released
Mar 2012
Ghai Constitution Commission established
Aug - Dec 2012
Public consultations and submissions
Dec 2012
Ghai Commission completes its draft
Mar 2013
Government releases its own draft
2013
2013 Constitution adopted
Duration
~3-4 years
Commission
Ghai Commission
Outcome
2013 Constitution
2026 Constitution Ongoing
The 2026 process is under way, following an independent Constitution Review Commission, public consultation, a CRC report and draft, a Government draft introduced as the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, and a proposed national referendum.
View this process →13 Mar 2026
Constitution Review Commission commissioners appointed
22 Apr - 2 May 2026
Public Awareness and Civic Education (PACE) programme
May - Jul 2026
Nationwide CRC public consultations and submissions
22 Sep 2026
CRC report and draft tabled in Parliament
30 Sep 2026
Government draft introduced as Constitution Amendment Bill 2026
2 Oct 2026
Second reading of Constitution Amendment Bill 2026
2 Nov 2026
Third reading of Constitution Amendment Bill 2026
Status
Ongoing
Stage
Parliamentary / referendum
Outcome
Subject to referendum