Fiji 1990
In May 1987, Lt. Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka overthrew the democratically-elected National Federation in a military coup. He claimed the government was dominated by the Indian community. In September, Rabuka staged a second coup creating the Republic of Fiji and the following December, restored the civilian government. The cabinet, appointed by the president, formed a sub-committee to write an initial draft for a new constitution. The sub-committee consisted of three members: Lt. Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, who had been granted immunity, Irene Jai Narayan, Minister of Indian Affairs, and Ratu W. Toganivala, Minister of Lands. The sub-committee looked at a draft written by the Great Council of Chiefs, a draft that was essentially the 1970 constitution with a few textual changes and also looked at the drafts of the Falvey Commission and the military. A Round Table discussion between incumbent political leaders and the Coalition, representing the Indo-Fijian and urban groups and the Alliance, representing ethnic Fijian groups, provided an opportunity for these groups to cite their concerns. Preparation of the initial draft took 11 months from December 1987 to October 1988 followed by submission of the draft to the Manueli Commission, charged with taking public comment. The Manueli Commission sent it to the Cabinet with suggestions for possible amendments. During the seven months for public comment, the Indo-Fijian citizens called for greater equality under the law, while Fijian citizens demanded land rights and greater political rights. India urged citizens to boycott the process.
The final revision of the constitution was conducted in the main army barracks in the capital city where it was discussed and approved by the Great Council of Chiefs. Members of the GCC were chosen based on politics and blood lineage from the 300 chiefs in Fiji representing each of the 14 provinces and the 3 “confederacies”. Several members were presidential appointees; however, membership was restricted to Melanesian and Polynesian chiefs with the Indo-Fijian community not included. 70 members had voting authority for the final draft. GCC sent the approved draft to the cabinet and the president for approval. The constitution was ratified on July 25, l990.
NOTE: Sitiveni Rabuka, supported by the Fiji Labor Party, became prime minister in 1992.