Opposition MP Hem Chand opposes the rush to amend Constitution Amendment Bill

Opposition Member of Parliament, Hem Chand has voted against the Constitution Amendment Bill as he says that any amendment in the 2013 Constitution should not be rushed into and be done according to the procedures set out in the Constitution itself.

Chand says rushed constitutional changes could erode public trust, yet changes must be transparent and inclusive to ensure the voices of all Fijians are heard.

He says while we are debating on the Amendment of Chapter 11 of the Constitution, ordinary Fijians and them, the Parliamentarians, are left in the dark not knowing what exactly this Government is trying to change in the Constitution.

Chand also highlighted that Chapter 1, Section 2 (5) of the Constitution says this Constitution cannot be abrogated or suspended by any person and may only be amended by the procedures prescribed in Chapter 11.

Chand adds that the Constitution is not an ordinary law that can be amended at the convenience of any sitting Government.

He adds that there is no shortcut when it comes to constitutional amendments.

The Opposition MP says the Constitutional amendment process hinges on trust in the system, trust among political parties, trust across the ethnic and political divide, and trust between the Government and the governed.

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