Constitution Day in Fiji
Constitution Day is marked on 7 September, the date Fiji’s 2013 Constitution came into force. Its stated purpose has been to draw attention to the Constitution, its Bill of Rights and civic awareness.[1][2]
The date and its meaning
Fiji’s 2013 Constitution took effect on 7 September 2013. The holiday’s date connects the observance to that constitutional milestone and to the document’s role in setting out the country’s system of government and rights.[1][2]
In Parliament’s 2015 debate on a proposed amendment to employment relations law, Constitution Day was described as a way to highlight the Constitution, encourage adherence to it, increase understanding of the Bill of Rights and promote civic awareness.[2]
Legal status and the official calendar
The 2015 amendment proposal would have added Constitution Day to the days kept as public holidays in all workplaces, and allowed the Minister, with the Prime Minister’s approval, to amend the list by Gazette notice. The Fiji Government’s published public-holiday calendar lists eleven holidays but does not include Constitution Day, so that calendar does not establish it as a current public holiday.[2][3]
No substitute-day rule for Constitution Day is stated in the government calendar. Check current official notices before treating 7 September as a day off.[3]
How it has been marked
At the first national Constitution Day celebration, held in 2016, the President described a formal ceremony in Suva and said the day commemorated the Constitution’s entry into force. He also described the Constitution as a foundation for national values and equal rights and responsibilities.[1]
The President said ceremonies were intended to take place in other parts of Fiji from the following year. That speech records the stated plan, but it does not establish a continuing annual programme or particular customs, foods or events across the country.[1]
Practical planning
The official published calendar does not list Constitution Day among its public holidays. Check directly with the relevant service or business if you are making plans around 7 September.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Constitution Day in Fiji?
It is marked on 7 September, the date the 2013 Constitution came into force.[1]
Is Constitution Day currently listed as a public holiday?
It is absent from the Fiji Government’s published public-holiday calendar, which lists eleven holidays. Check official notices for any later change.[3]
Do workers get the day off or holiday pay?
The official calendar does not list Constitution Day as a public holiday, so it does not confirm a general day off or holiday pay for this date. Check the applicable workplace rules and current official notices.[3]
Are offices, banks, shops or transport services closed?
The official calendar does not specify closures for Constitution Day. Confirm hours and services with the relevant provider before travelling or visiting.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Constitution Day in Fiji:
- H.E PRESIDENT JIOJI KONROTE'S SPEECH AT THE FIRST CONSTITUTION DAY CELEBRATIONS- Fiji Government
- BILL NO. 21 OF 2015- Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
- Public Holidays- Fiji Government