Sitiveni Rabuka warns coalition ministers they may lose Cabinet posts over Bill vote

Fiji’s proposed Constitution Amendment Bill has put coalition unity under fresh pressure, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warning that ministers could be asked to leave Cabinet if their parties oppose the measure. Rabuka said the Government was working to secure support from 11 independent MPs who have joined it, alongside members of the Opposition. He added that members of the Government on Parliament’s Special Committee had been trying to reach agreement while reviewing recommendations and submissions from the public. Asked whether the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) or the National Federation Party (NFP) intended to leave the coalition, Rabuka said neither had formally told him it planned to withdraw. But he made clear that a decision to quit could have consequences for party members serving in Cabinet, who may also need to step down. The Prime Minister’s warning went further if either party stays in the coalition but votes against the Bill. Rabuka said he would then have to ask its Cabinet ministers to leave their positions. His remarks place the focus on how the two parties will approach the proposed changes, while the Government continues seeking backing across Parliament. Rabuka said efforts were under way to consider public feedback and build consensus, but the possibility of ministers losing their posts highlights the political stakes surrounding the vote.