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Nanise Loanakadavu
Thursday, November 29, 2012

THE Constitution Commission is expected to formally present the draft constitution and the explanatory report to the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau by the first week of January 2013.

Under the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constitution Commission) Decree 2012, the main work of the commission takes place from October to December but if necessary, submissions may also continue to be received.

And the Constituent Assembly under the decree will hold its first sitting by the second week of January to deliberate on the new law. Their work is to be completed at the latest by the end of the third week of March.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said earlier that the draft constitution would be considered by a Constituent Assembly in an inclusive and transparent process and the assembly would consist of representatives from civil society groups and organisations that were Fijian-registered including faith-based organisations, national organisations, political parties and government.

After the assembly adopts the draft constitution, the document will be forwarded to a tribunal which will consider whether the immunity provisions and other matters will be contained in the draft.

Commission chairman Professor Yash Ghai earlier said people would view the draft document that would be available in pamphlets next month.

He urged everyone to view the draft document, take time and read the draft document before they submitted it to the President.