7 Nov 2012

Fiji NGO says latest regime rule changes will hamper Constituent Assembly

4:33 pm on 7 November 2012

A civil society group in Fiji, the Citizen's Constitutional Forum, says the latest changes to the constitution process will hamper the work of the Constituent Assembly.

The Fiji regime has been under fire for changes which include sending the draft document straight to the assembly for debate without further opportunity for public discussion.

The interim government has yet to set up the assembly and appoint its members who will debate Fiji's draft constitution.

The Citizens Constitutional Forum says the changes could deter individuals and groups from accepting appointments to the body as they will be prohibited from debating people's views on the draft.

CCF says it is vital for constructive debate that assembly members get feedback from their constituents.