As Grubsheet predicted, the Prime Minister has stirred up a hornet’s nest with the announcement of a parliamentary vote and a referendum that would deliver a new constitution by December 24.
The first and most provocative criticism has come not from one of the political parties but from Nilesh Lal – the respected head of Fiji’s most influential think tank – the independent Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, formerly known as Dialogue Fiji.
He calls it an “autogolpe” – the Spanish term for a self coup in which a legally-appointed leader seizes absolute power. Which is bound to resonate with those who remember Rabuka’s two coups in 1987, 38 years ago.
Lal can barely contain his fury at what he casts as a crude and cynical power grab by Rabuka to stay in power beyond his scheduled four-year term, which is supposed to end with an election by the end of the first week of February.
That is clearly no longer going to happen if the Prime Minister and his colleagues in the People’s Alliance get their way. Yet incredibly, the notion of the election not proceeding is also stirring up opposition from elements within SODELPA, the NFP and other political parties for whom a delayed poll is simply unacceptable. Yes, you read that right. SODELPA included.
They want to go to the people on time in their own interests and are not in the business of keeping Sitiveni Rabuka in power for a minute longer than they have to. All of which means that the People’s Alliance may find itself with a much harder task than it expects to get the two-thirds of MPs in the parliament to vote for its plan.
As Grubsheet understands it, Rabuka’s Coalition partner, Biman Prasad of the NFP, is telling people that all four of its remaining members in the parliament following the death of Agni Deo Singh – including Pio Tikoduadua and Lenora Qereqeretabua – are rock solid in their opposition to the Rabuka plan and will vote against it.
The same is said to be the position of the official Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, who is evidently telling people that all members of the Opposition will also be voting “no”.
But what is really intriguing is the prospect of SODELPA doing the same – not because it opposes changes to the 2013 Constitution such as enshrining the power of the chiefs in the supreme law but because SODELPA is anxious to go to the polls and doesn’t want to see Rabuka remain in power if the election is delayed.
So is a miracle possible when there has been a general assumption among many members of the minorities that all is lost? Is there now a chance that Rabuka won’t get the two-thirds vote he needs for a referendum to even proceed, let alone secure a new constitution by Christmas?
Grubsheet personally thought the battle was lost. But we are assured that it is not over yet. In fact, such is the disillusionment with his leadership, we are told that it is now entirely possible that Rabuka suffers a humiliating defeat.
This story is building momentum and we’re told to expect a lot more opposition to emerge in the coming days. But here are just two of the public statements so far – from Nilesh Lal on behalf of the CDD and the Labour Party leader and former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry. (UPDATE: Biman Prasad has since issued his own statement. See below)
First the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, which accuses the Prime Minister of trying to throttle democracy in a crude lunge to stay in power.
And now the statement from Mahendra Chaudhry, who equally provocatively questions whether the Prime Minister has “lost it” with his “indecisiveness” and “political paralysis”.
More reaction in the coming hours.
NOTE TO READERS: To be read in conjunction with our original article published early this morning.
UPDATE FRIDAY AM:
As predicted, the NFP is opposed to the Christmas deadline for a new constitution to come into effect.
It’s leader, Biman Prasad – who is on trial for corruption – rejects the notion that it needs to be in place before the election, suggesting the election should go ahead under the terms of the existing constitution rather than the process being rushed.
A Constitution by Christmas? Nothing says ‘careful democratic reform’ quite like a festive-season deadline. 🎄
Perhaps this is one gift Fiji can afford to leave unopened. Appreciate those who are openly calling this a joke and hope that good sense prevails (which unfortunately lacks with our current Government!)
I though wonder where are all those other prominent and esteemed individuals here and abroad who screamed “no consultation” on 2013 constitution and always critiqued the “past 16 yrs – needless to say the greasers could not be bothered as they having a pretty good run!
Pathetic!
2013 Constitutional consultations = 7 ,000 ( seven thousand) SUBMISSIONS.
2026 Constitutional consultations = 1,300 submissions.
Thank you for this, Ian. Precisely. It is the job of the mainstream media to point all of this out in the public interest. Why aren’t they doing so? Because they are taking money from the government in the form of an effective bribe.
Is the Snake going to get tangled in the net he was laying to get rid of the crocodiles in the PAPI pond and die himself. Is this what is Karma?
Hindsight is 20/20 – Rabuka’s Power Strategy til he dies still a PM, 78 and counting.
In hindsight, I can see a strong pattern in how Rabuka the coup creator has dealt with his coalition partners : one by one.
First was Aseri. The poor chap probably had no idea what hit him. He became embroiled in that whole sex scandal with Lynda Tabuya, a senior woman from Rabuka’s own party. Looking back now, I can’t help wondering whether Aseri walked straight into a trap. I certainly see that whole episode very differently in hindsight.
Then came the other DPMs.
Isn’t it oh so clear?!
Open your eyes, coalition partners. You have been nothing but puppets played by Piper Rabuka.
And if I ever had to choose between Rabuka and Aseri, I would choose Aseri. I suspect plenty of Fiji Indians would too. In fact, Aseri seems to be quite liked by many and comes across as multicultural and far more academically qualified than Rabuka, whose professional background was overwhelmingly military (at only a tender age of 39 years using guns, he jumped into politics as PM) and who, in my view, needs to retire ASAP.
It looks like RAMBO is playing his cards exactly as he would like. Irrespective of the hand he is dealt and whether we like it or not , he will ultimately come out a winner when the dust has settled. The reasons are stark but somewhat predictable .
A core element of Rabuka’s rallying strategy is his rhetorical framing of the constitutional amendment process. He consistently presents the reform not as a partisan manoeuvre, but as a moral and democratic imperative to correct the “democratic deficit” of the 2013 Constitution, which was imposed by the previous Bainimarama regime without widespread consultation. As we all know that Constitution (like it or loathe it) was given credence by way of time factor and not otherwise. In other words it should never have been implemented for a start.
By appealing to Unity and patriotism elements within his voting base, Rabuka has called on MPs to “set aside party divisions and cooperate on creating a constitution that truly embodies democracy, justice, and unity”. He argues that the current Constitution lacks the fundamental principle of reflecting the people’s will and dignity.
Rambo is positioning himself as a reformer. He describes the proposed amendments as introducing a “more efficient and flexible process for constitutional change,” ensuring necessary updates can be made “without undue delay”. This positions his government as modern and effective, in contrast to the rigidity of the previous system. By doing this he is pledging that the goods will be “delivered” once the “constitution” achieves validity. He has used his current term to garner the support of the Courts who have green lit the way for referendum and voting on all fronts. By cornering the voters in the polls with excitement and anticipation and holding both referendum, Constitutional amendments and general elections within a whisker of one another he will almost certainly get the votes he needs from all parties (public, coalition partners et..) simultaneously.
He is very smart and he knows it. His govt wants a clean slate to enact proposed pledges which he will make known in the coming month . This will rally his base, entice new voters and ensure a lot of buy in come election day.
Unfortunately for the opposition it has left them standing like a possum in the headlights, stunned, in disbelief and lacking any real plan to counter.
From what I have read here in the comments section is that there is absolutely no way that a new constitution can be delivered in the time frame Government plans.
So, when the reality of failure descends upon us, confusion and chaos reigns, Rabuka will preach from the top of the mountain THAT he has delivered with all his might, fallen short, just before the line, AND, if returned to power, WILL DELIVER.
It also seems he wants to enshrine himself as a hero by delivering this new constitution for Xmas.
This generation would call him “cringey.”
I’m not opposed to considered, well debated improvements to a constitution that goes through all of the proper processes without rush.
But let’s hope enough who count realise that Rabuka’s proposed amendments and the process by which he is attempting to bulldoze them in is an evil farce.
In Rabuka’s world, he can only hold on to power by undertaking a coup. He is simply doing what he did in 1987, but this time without a gun and instead, pushing his way through using illegal and undemocratic means.
Why why why, did the people of Fiji allow this blight on the nation, his family and his ethnicity, to return to power?
PAP is bullying their way through ! The draft constitution has embedded a proposed 5 year parliamentary term! PAP will try to push for that to become effective immediately on 24 December so that allows them to continue to be in government from the 25th of December!!
That’s how sick they are!! We must ensure we push for everyone to go to the referendum and say No to changing the constitution for now !! As much as we all agree we need a constitution by the people for the people- we must never allow these bunch of wankers and daylight robbers and racist MF’s to stay any day longer than the 24th December!! Lako nakoro Rabuka!! No more con!!
The PM has yet again demonstrated how completely out of touch and unfit his government’s conduct has become. Smoke screens, empty promises, political manoeuvring and behaviour that raises serious questions about accountability and respect for the office he holds.
At this point, the rhetoric is wearing thin. Leadership is supposed to be about responsibility, integrity and duty to the people—not manipulation, distractions and political games.
And now we are watching the Constitution and elections become part of that game. Unfortunately, it is hardly shocking. It is consistent with a pattern of poor judgment and questionable governance that has been evident from the beginning.
What a profound let-down for Fiji and its people. The country deserves leadership that takes its responsibilities—and the institutions of democracy—seriously.
Elections cannot come soon enough. And one has to ask: who actually benefits from delaying them? Because it certainly isn’t the ordinary people of Fiji.
To digress slightly, while the Fiji media posse led by Fastsos Fred Wesley, Stanley Simpson and Vijay Narayan are getting ready for the PINA shindig and grandstanding in savusavu, it is Jale Moala who I believe is a retired journalist asking the hard questions over the dodgy appointment of accused sexual harassment predator, Pita Wise.
Fiji’s soft bellied and potty, loving mediasimply do not possess the intelligence to ask these types of questions of the Prime Minister, who is paying them from the national budget
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲
A few things still don’t add up about Pita Wise who, two years after resigning from one of Fiji’s most senior civil-service positions, is back in another.
■ Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Wise has had time to “cool off” and “reflect”.
■ The Public Service Commission says complaints against him were withdrawn and never investigated.
■ Rabuka says Wise expressed interest in the vacant Permanent Secretary position, was interviewed and appointed through the proper process.
But rather than closing the controversy surrounding Wise’s return, those explanations have created a new set of questions.
■ What was Wise “cooling off” from if – as the PSC said – he resigned for personal reasons?
■ Why does Rabuka dismiss the allegations as “hearsay” when a complaint was formal enough for him to refer it to the PSC?
■ If “nothing came” to the appropriate authorities, why did the PSC say that the complainants withdrew their complaints in writing to the Prime Minister’s Office?
Then there is the appointment itself.
Rabuka says Wise expressed interest in the position and was interviewed.
■ But how did he learn that the position was available?
■ Was it publicly advertised?
■ How did he express his interest, and to whom?
■ How many other people applied or expressed interest?
■ Who shortlisted the candidates, and who interviewed them?
These aren’t questions about whether Wise committed sexual harassment; there was no investigation and therefore no finding against him.
They are questions about how Fiji’s most senior public servants are appointed — and whether the explanations being offered about this particular appointment fit together.
The issue now is not whether Pita Wise should be presumed guilty. He should not.
The issue is whether the Government has adequately explained what happened in 2024 — and how, in 2026, Wise came to occupy another of Fiji’s most senior public-service positions.
It is of little wonder that the SCC ‘investigation’ into the Hibiscus 24 harassment/SA, at the direction of the line minister, never eventuated.
There are a few legal baskets that this shit show fits into.
It’s a blight on society and culture when everything the Hibiscus Queen contestants stand for is buried by men in positions of power and the patriarchy chalks up a win at the expense of a young iTaukei woman.
Like anything in life, the timing and target turn the table. If you strike the right place at the right time a dying person can survive.
NFP is just about to go from Zero to Hero. The ball greaser can become the hero who kicked Raphuka’s balls. That will be the end of the 1987 coup leader.
Manoa and his team can lead PAP to win the government. NFP and SODELPA become stronger partners of coalition. Labour and Unity paries can forget it.
Interesting times ahead!
There’s an HIV health emergency not a Constitution emergency ..wake up PM .
The wild and crazy truth is a ‘new’ CONstitution will cure ALL that ills the itaukei:
The HIV epidemic will magically disappear
Fiji will be credited as the first country in the world to find a cure for HIV – all nations can too with a new CONstìtuition
Fiji’s rampant uncontrollable drug epidemic will magically disappear
Teen-age pregnancy scourge will disappear as itaukei shun sex, drugs, and taralalalalalala.
Rampant day light crimes, home invasions, violence against property, and people will stop immediately
itaukei will stop growing ganja
The health service will be magically world-class, beyond our wildest dream
STDs and NCDs will be gone. Poof!
Corrupt and unethical conduct and thuggery and vandalism by government will end forever forthwith
The gcc rule will become ultimate and only legal authority.
All these and much more will be achieved overnight at the stroke of Sona Rampukar’s $2000 Montblanc with his $200k signature Sona Rolex.
This is all true. No doubt all this and more is somewhere in the big book.
It’s always a power grab and the interests of the nation are secondary when it comes to any political system …the world over.
The question is which of the lesser evil would you prefer? People will vote. Results will prevail. Decisions will be made. This is an inevitable cycle. The simple fact of the matter is that the current government has the moral ascendency as far as decision making is concerned. The current constitution is not legitimate by way of its inception. The current government knows that. If the voters don’t understand that then it shows how little they understand about political process. If you run a race and jump the gun then the starter official will call you back to re start the race….and here we are in 2026 where we should have been in 2010.
I hope you get a desired result but I fear it won’t make you ALL happy, Such is life.
Moral ascendancy? This government? Scandal after scandal plus an extrajudicial killing for which no one has been charged? And now an autogolpe in which the Prime Minister is attempting to remain in power and avoid the judgment of the people? What on earth have you been smoking?
Pita Wise is just one of the long lines of corrupt and dodgy appointments by the corrupt Rabuka, aided by his handpicked Rokovada, who was selected to enable the racist agenda. The picture is clear, if you are an i-taukei, no matter what charges are against you, if you are a person of influence and in Rabuka’s circles, such crimes and practices do not matter. You will be given a second, third and many more chances. The doors will never close.
Look at the case of Solo Mara whose appointment as PS Foreign affairs & Trade was recently announced. He was removed as Ambassador in Washington because of financial fraud. The case was in the courts and then he was appointed to the top job at PIDF where he continued with his fraudulent practices, even diverting a solar PV system obtained under a project to his personal house in Pacific Harbour. He continues to be protected, cases against him are either closed or not pursued. Just ask any staff at PIDF. Solo is the cause of the current demise of PIDF leading to its reposturing as an agricultural marketing agency for the corrupt Minister and his Chinese business associate, close to the government.
Obviously the wheels of justice in Fiji have been set up to suit the current regime. Temo is a classic example, rotten right at the apex.
Unless there is a change come next election, I am afraid there will be more of the same and even more outrageous actions to enrich the corrupt and elite under the coupist PM.
Looks like a minority group who bought other members to form a majority are now trying to slip in a new constitution under the door at the 11th hour to stay in power for five more years. That’s not a good look.
They need to do the right thing: make the proposed changes public, have the debate then call the election. During the campaign the parties will make it clear where they stand and the people will then have the opportunity to decide with their vote.
Transparency and honesty will go a long way to help sort out the fundamentals. As a communal redistributive mechanism, chiefs may have an ongoing role, but that’s to be determined within the vanua. Some limited public funding for their administrative and advisory function based on leadership performance may be appropriate.
Keep religion out of politics and government, full stop. Bring back constituencies so that the people’s concerns can be heard in Parliament.
Finally, all elected individuals on the public purse are servants of the people and not there to make money or secure a retirement pension. They must perform and the people will decide whether they have done a good job and are deserving of continuing in office.
That includes any new constitution. If the people like what’s presented to them they will vote for the party or leader they prefer and then expect them to get on with the job in government.