Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce Manoa Kamikamica has defended the Government’s proposed constitutional amendments, insisting the Bill seeks to address the concerns of all communities in Fiji amid public debate over its provisions.

Speaking after the opening of the University of the South Pacific Digital Skills Hub, Mr Kamikamica said the proposed changes were intended to address shortcomings he believes exist in the 2013 Constitution, including the recognition of iTaukei people and traditional institutions.

He described the proposed Constitution as one of the fairest documents tabled in Fiji, rejecting concerns that its provisions could be discriminatory.

“The Constitution actually tries to address the concerns of everyone in Fiji,” Mr Kamikamica said.

He argued that the 2013 Constitution was imposed on the people of Fiji and did not adequately recognise chiefs or provide mechanisms for iTaukei voices to be heard.

Mr Kamikamica said the Government had attempted to restore these provisions while retaining elements such as national identity, equal citizenship, the Bill of Rights and protections relating to land.

However, the proposed amendments have continued to attract public scrutiny, particularly over immunity provisions, the proposed composition of the Senate and the process for selecting the President and Vice-President.

Mr Kamikamica acknowledged these concerns, saying the representation arrangements and other outstanding issues would need to be considered further.

He cited the proposed role of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga in selecting the President and Vice-President, arguing that similar arrangements existed under the 1997 Constitution.

“We haven’t introduced anything new. 1997 was touted as the best constitution ever in Fiji. We’ve just gone back there,” he said.

On concerns about the speed of the constitutional review process, Mr Kamikamica said Fiji had undergone several constitutional changes and that many of the issues requiring reform had been discussed for years.

He said the Government had attempted to address the different views raised during the review process, while maintaining that the proposed document was balanced and inclusive.

Mr Kamikamica also defended the provisions referring to Christianity, saying they did not compel people to practise the religion and that religious freedom was protected under the proposed Bill of Rights.

He challenged critics to identify provisions they considered racist, saying he was willing to respond to specific concerns.

The debate comes as the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 undergoes parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation, with submissions addressing proposed changes to Fiji’s governance structures, rights protections and constitutional institutions.

Mr Kamikamica confirmed he would contest the next general election, saying he believed there was still work to be done in transforming the country.

The proposed constitutional amendments remain subject to the parliamentary process and the consideration of public submissions.