Fiji's Constitution Commission submits draft constitution to president

Fiji's Constitution Commission chairman Professor Yash Ghai (L) speaks to Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau before handing over the draft constitution in the Government House in Suva, Fiji, Dec. 21, 2012.(Xinhua)

The new constitution must pave the way for a much more inclusive, modern, non-bureaucratic, stable and prosperous nation, Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said Friday.

Nailatikau made the comment after receiving the draft constitution from the Constitution Commission chairman Professor Yash Ghai.

"Fiji has had a checkered constitutional history. We have had three constitutions since independence. The decree which established the commission will lead to the formulation of our fourth constitution." a statement from Fiji's Ministry of Information quoted Nailatikau as saying.

Under the Constitution Commission decree, certain universally accepted principles must be enshrined in the new constitution, Nailatikau said.

"These principles must not only be set out clearly but must also be captured in spirit throughout all the provisions of the new constitution. It is also imperative given our history that the new constitution is enduring. It must not be only for the present, it must be relevant for our future generations," he said.

Following the acceptance of the draft constitution, Nailatikau said he will deliver the document to the constituent assembly, which will comprise of representatives from a wide cross-section of society who will deliberate on the draft constitution and adopt the final form of the constitution.

"I wish to take this opportunity to thank all my fellow Fijians who took time and energy to make submissions to the commission," Nailatikau said. "We, as a nation, are at an important juncture and it is critical that we all participate in this process with dignity, selflessness and patriotism to ensure that we have a truly democratic and just Fiji."

The assembly will then present the adopted constitution to the president who will refer it to an independent judicial tribunal for vetting to ensure compliance before the president assents to it.

The work of the Constituent Assembly is expected to be completed by late March 2013. The new constitution should come into effect on the day following the date of assent by President Nailatikau.