Fiji’s Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is demanding answers over proposed constitutional changes that it says could give Parliament greater control over the membership and funding of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV), or Great Council of Chiefs (GCC).
The party has called on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee reviewing the draft Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, Bill No. 32, to explain the implications of provisions in Section 152 before the proposed changes proceed.
SODELPA is particularly concerned about Section 152(3), which states that Parliament must provide by written law for the membership of the BLV and may legislate on other matters, including its funding and operations.
The party questioned whether the provision would allow a government with a parliamentary majority to determine how chiefs are selected and who qualifies for membership of the council.
“Does this clause mean that Parliament — and politicians holding a simple 51 per cent majority — will now determine who gets to sit on the BLV, how members are selected, and who qualifies as a traditional leader?” SODELPA asked.
The party also questioned whether ordinary legislation could be used to change the council’s membership without a constitutional amendment.
It called on the committee to explain why the representation of Fiji’s 14 provinces, Rotuma and paramount chiefs had not been explicitly protected in Chapter 8 of the proposed constitutional amendments.
SODELPA said the provisions raised concerns about the relationship between parliamentary authority and customary chiefly leadership.
The party also raised concerns about Section 152(4), which states that the State must provide or facilitate adequate funding for the BLV, upon request, subject to available resources.
It questioned whether the funding provision could leave the council financially dependent on government decisions.
“Why is the government refusing to grant the BLV a direct, standing constitutional appropriation from the Consolidated Fund — like the judiciary?” the party asked.
SODELPA said the committee should clarify how the funding arrangement would protect the council’s independence and ensure it could carry out its constitutional functions.
The party also questioned whether the proposed amendments contained sufficient safeguards for iTaukei land, qoliqoli and subsurface mineral rights, particularly if legislation affecting those interests was introduced without a direct veto mechanism for the BLV.
On public consultation, SODELPA criticised the 30-day period for submissions, arguing that provincial councils, tikina and traditional leaders needed sufficient time to examine the proposed changes.
It called for an extension of the consultation period, saying the public needed an opportunity to understand the legal implications of the proposed amendments.
The party has urged the select committee, its chairman and members of the BLV to address its questions publicly and explain how the proposed provisions would affect the council’s membership, funding and role.
SODELPA warned that without clear answers and safeguards, the proposed changes could weaken the independence of traditional leadership.
The party said it would continue to defend the role of Fiji’s chiefs and oppose changes it considers could compromise their authority….PACNEWS