Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is closely monitoring the Supreme Court case that opened in Suva yesterday, seeking clarity on how the 2013 Constitution can be amended — a ruling expected to influence the Council’s next steps.
The GCC unanimously called for the repeal of the Constitution following its two-day meeting in Suva this week, arguing that it hinders the progress of indigenous Fijians. Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the Council had “had enough” of the current Constitution and wanted it “gone.”
While the immediate next steps remain to be determined by the council members, a newly established subcommittee within the GCC will be tasked with mapping out a roadmap for addressing its concerns. This subcommittee comprises nine members, three from each of Fiji’s three confederacies, co-chaired by GCC deputy leaders Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Na Turaga na Tui Namosi and Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, Na Turaga na Tui Nayau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.
If the Supreme Court ruling does not meet their expectations, the GCC has indicated it may pursue alternative avenues, though it has not specified what those might be.
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