6 Sep 2013

Fiji Govt's Constitution comes into force today

10:28 am on 6 September 2013

Fiji's President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will formally assent to the 2013 Constitution later today.

Fiji Village online says once that happens, the constitution will then be the supreme law of the country and pave the way for elections by September 30th, 2014.

The Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had earlier said it is an enabling constitution which addresses a lot of fundamental political issues.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there has been good feedback from people and the international community on the constitution as it gives people socioeconomic rights, recognition of the indigenous people, landownership and protection of tenancies.

The Australian and New Zealand Government have both welcomed the new constitution stating that it represents an important step forward for Fiji's commitment to hold elections by September 2014.