Praneeta Prakash 
[Photo: FILE]
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the third-reading vote on the Constitution Amendment Bill will determine whether the proposed changes proceed to a referendum or end in Parliament.
Rabuka told the participants at the Lau consultation on Friday submissions collected during consultations will be collated for presentation to Parliament on Monday, with debate expected during the week.
He hopes the Bill can also be passed during the week, as some MPs and ministers will travel to Turkey for COP and will be unavailable for deliberations or voting.
“It is very important that we have all on board for the voting on the third reading of the bill because that determines whether we keep going or it ends there.”
Rabuka says passing of the Bill would lead to a referendum, while its defeat would bring the current amendment effort to an end.
Meanwhile, the National Federation Party has maintained its opposition, with its parliamentary leader saying all NFP MPs have received a written directive to vote against the
Bill at its third reading.
The directive was issued by the party’s Management Board and endorsed by its Working Committee.
The NFP parliamentary leader says MPs were elected under the party’s banner and are expected to follow its position and voting instructions.
