Calls to bring back Fiji’s Senate have gained momentum, with political leaders urging major reforms to the country’s electoral and parliamentary systems.

Speaking yesterday at a public consultation hosted by the Fiji Law Reform Commission at the Suva Civic Centre, SODELPA general secretary Viliame Takayawa stressed the urgent need for a Senate to be re-established.

“The Senate would provide a vital check on executive power and help ensure that laws align with our Constitution,” Mr Takayawa said.

He proposed that any Senate vacancy should be filled by the political party that originally held the seat to preserve voter intent and party accountability. Ratu Manoa Malani, co-founder of the proposed Liberation of Fiji Party, supported the idea, saying a Senate would ensure greater scrutiny of legislation—especially bills affecting land and natural resources.

“Many laws are passed today without proper review, and they risk undermining Queen Victoria’s 1881 promises to protect iTaukei land and iqoliqoli ownership,” Ratu Manoa said.

He warned that without an upper house, key protections for indigenous landowners were being eroded.

Former Cabinet Minister Adi Finau Tamari Tabakaucoro reflected on the Senate’s former role.

While acknowledging its limited powers before its abolition in the 2013 Constitution, she noted it served as a review body that could examine, but not change, legislation.

“It didn’t have the power to block laws, but it gave a level of oversight that is now missing,” she said.

Former A-G response 

Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has cautioned that any move to reintroduce the Senate or amend Fiji’s political system must strictly follow the 2013 Constitution.

As one of the key architects of the current Constitution, he stressed that Chapter 11 clearly outlines the legal process for constitutional changes, requiring a three-quarters majority in Parliament at every stage of the three readings.

“That is the Constitution,” he said. “It must be followed to the letter in any efforts to amend it.”

He also drew a distinction between changing electoral laws and amending the Constitution itself.

While electoral rules may be adjusted through acts of Parliament, the broader electoral system, including its structure, remains constitutionally protected.

This means any proposals to reinstate the Senate or overhaul the voting system would first require navigating the stringent amendment process.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum acknowledged the ongoing public consultations and growing political interest in restoring the Senate, particularly among opposition parties.

“There has been a push to reinstate the Senate,” he said, referencing recent calls by SODELPA and other representatives.

However, he maintained that all such reforms must respect the legal framework established under the 2013 Constitution.

Party symbols’ return

SODELPA is also pushing for candidate names and party symbols to return to ballot papers, arguing this would reduce voter confusion and strengthen democratic participation.

In Fiji’s elections, ballot papers display only three-digit numbers assigned to candidates, omitting their names and party symbols. Despite efforts by the Fijian Elections Office to assist voters—such as providing a Voter Instruction Booklet listing candidates alongside their numbers—concerns persist.

This booklet cannot be taken into the voting booth, leading to instances where voters have confused candidate numbers. Notably, in the 2018 election, candidate Alipate Nagata received an unexpectedly high number of votes, reportedly due to voters mistaking his number (668) for that of FijiFirst leader Voreqe Bainimarama (688). Such incidents have prompted calls for ballot papers to include candidate names and party symbols to reduce voter confusion.

Less than 50 people turned up to make submissions.

The next consultation will be held in Korovou, Tailevu, today, from 10am to 2pm at the Police Bure. From Korovou, the commission will set up at the top floor of the Nausori Market, UN Accommodation, from 4pm to 6pm today.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj