What were the major factors that led to the review of the 1990 constitution and how it was formulated (Tutorial Question)
Factors that led to the review of the 1990 constitution includes:
- Fijian parties forming a party both politically and economically, it was bias towards rural Fijians whereby the 33% of Fijians who lived in urban areas having only 13.5% of the parlimentary seats. It abolished all forms of non racial electorates and voting.This is where Rotumans are separated from Fijians.
- The distribution of seats in parliment was not fair as it comp
- This was very evident in the senate as two thirds was Fijians. Only an indigenous Fijian could be Prime Minister, and the President was appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs.
- Rabuka persuaded leaders of the two major opposition parties, FNP and FLP, to join the committee. These two parties, despite their many differences and acute rivalry, agreed to co-operate on the question of constitutional reform and required to review in order to promote racial harmony, national unity, economic and social advancement and imply international standards. Take into account that the Constitution shall guarantee full protection and promotion of the rights, interests and concerns of the indigenous Fijian and Rotuman people.
What are the major points of 1990 and 1997 Constitutions? [Discussion Forum Question]
Major points of 1990 constitutions:
• Desire to exclude permanently any possibility of Indo-Fijian parties forming a government. The formula was designed f ascendancy is both politically and economically that made an impact on further political development in post 1990 period.
• This Constitution was biased towards rural Fijians and it gave even more prominent role than in the past to the Council of Chiefs.
• Only an indigenous Fijian could be Prime Minister, and the President was appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs.
• It abolished all forms of non-racial electorates or voting.
• The Senate was two-thirds Fijians.
Major points of 1977 constitutions
•The suggested two-thirds to one-third balance between open and reserved seats have been reversed, with only one-third of seats to be elected on an open basis.
•The President will be appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs, but, in another significant move away from the 1990 Constitution, neither the President nor the Prime Minister are required to be of a particular ethnic background.
rises mostly of Fijians .