Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo has criticised SODELPA General Secretary Levi Vere over his comments on the proposed constitutional changes, defending the parliamentary process currently underway.

In a statement, Vosarogo recalled the divisions within SODELPA following the 2022 General Election, saying 14 of the party’s 30 Management Board members supported forming a coalition with FijiFirst, while 16 backed the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) and the National Federation Party (NFP).

He said SODELPA came close to supporting a return of former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to power.

Vosarogo also defended PAP’s formation, saying the party was established after SODELPA failed to provide the leadership and unity needed to bring about political change. He credited PAP and its coalition partners with securing a change of government following the 2022 election.

Responding to Vere’s concerns about political pressure and the alleged promise of the Presidency to SODELPA, Vosarogo questioned how the issue related to the constitutional provisions the party was defending.

On Bill 32, Vosarogo outlined the process behind the proposed constitutional changes, explaining that the Constitution Review Commission conducted consultations and submitted recommendations before the Government prepared the Bill and introduced it in Parliament.

The Bill has since been referred to a Special Parliamentary Committee, which is receiving public submissions and hearing views on the proposed amendments.

Vosarogo said the Bill was not yet a final Constitution and that the consultation process provided an opportunity for the public and political parties to raise concerns and recommend changes.

He encouraged SODELPA to submit constructive proposals on contentious provisions, including immunity, indigenous rights and emergency powers, rather than focusing on political attacks.

Vosarogo said the committee would consider public submissions and report its findings and recommendations to Parliament. He added that any constitutional changes would also need to proceed through the required national referendum process before taking effect.