SODELPA NEWS: Practical Hardships Ignored While Political Expediency Reigns — SODELPA Will Not Be Bullied or Compromise Indigenous Rights

SUVA, FIJI — The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), through its General Secretary, has rejected the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) General Secretary Sila Balawa’s narrative regarding the Party’s position on Bill 32 and constitutional reform.

SODELPA maintains that genuine democratic reform must protect indigenous rights, uphold traditional leadership, and reflect the will of the people of Fiji.

The Party has raised concerns about the Government’s priorities amid the challenges facing ordinary Fijians, including drug-related crime, rising HIV infections, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living.

SODELPA has also questioned provisions in Bill 32 relating to states of emergency, the possible extension of Parliament’s term, immunity clauses, the protection of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV), and the ownership of mineral resources.

The General Secretary further highlighted concerns over unfulfilled coalition commitments and the inclusion of 11 former FijiFirst MPs, arguing that political cooperation should be built on transparency, trust, and respect for coalition partners.

SODELPA insists that constitutional reform must be inclusive, transparent, and grounded in meaningful public consultation. The Party maintains that parliamentary numbers alone do not establish the legitimacy of constitutional change.

SODELPA’s position is clear: the Party supports constitutional reform but will not compromise its principles concerning iTaukei land, indigenous resource ownership, traditional institutions, and democratic accountability.

The Party has called on the Government to prioritise the immediate concerns of the people while ensuring that any constitutional changes genuinely reflect the interests and aspirations of all Fijians.