Fiji's constitutional overhaul reignites debate over the meaning of 'Fijian'

Fiji's government, headed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, has opened a nationwide consultation on a draft constitutional amendment intended to supplant the 2013 constitution imposed by the former Bainimarama administration. The public hearing, which began shortly after the nation's 56th independence anniversary, has highlighted persistent ethnic tensions, as participants debate who may be designated a 'Fijian' and the future of the Great Council of Chiefs, an indigenous body removed in 2013.

Opinions are split: some indigenous leaders claim the previous policy created a "technical genocide" by homogenising identity, while many Indo-Fijians argue for retaining a shared national label. Deputy speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua appealed for less division, emphasizing common identity. The consultation is expected to conclude before the first week of November, after which the bill will face a third reading and, if passed, a national referendum scheduled for 9 December.