Fiji's debate over constitutional reform has taken a new turn, with the Social Democratic Liberal Party proposing that all land in the country be recognised as belonging to iTaukei people.
SODELPA representatives Jolame Uludole and Savenaca Komaisavai presented the proposal during parliamentary committee consideration of Constitution Amendment Bill on 13 November.
Their submission seeks to extend iTaukei ownership recognition to Crown land and freehold property.
Committee members questioned how existing private ownership rights would be protected, particularly when owners were unwilling to sell.
Committee member Siromi Turaga raised concerns about the legality and practicality of transferring freehold land without consent.
SODELPA representatives argued that historical land transactions justified reconsidering ownership arrangements. They suggested negotiated buybacks and referred to existing government acquisition powers.
Another committee member, Sachida Nand, questioned whether improving the productive use of existing iTaukei land should take priority.
The debate touches on land rights, historical grievances, constitutional protections and Fiji's economic future.
The proposal is one of eight constitutional changes raised by SODELPA. It is not an enacted law, and there has been no confirmed decision to transfer privately owned land.
