The Republic of the Fiji Islands is a sovereign, democratic state.
Supremacy of Constitution
This Constitution is the supreme law of the State.
Any law inconsistent with this Constitution is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency.
Interpretation of Constitution
In the interpretation of a provision of this Constitution:
a construction that would promote the purpose or object underlying the provision, taking into account the spirit of this Constitution as a whole, is to be preferred to a construction that would not promote that purpose or object; and
regard must be had to the context in which this Constitution was drafted and to the intention that constitutional interpretation take into account social and cultural developments, especially:
developments in the understanding of the content of particular human rights; and
developments in the promotion of particular human rights.
Languages
The English, Fijian and Hindustani languages have equal status in the State.
This Constitution is to be adopted in English but translations in Fijian and Hindustani are to be available.
If, in the interpretation of a provision of this Constitution, there is an apparent difference between the meaning of the English version of the provision and its meaning in Fijian or Hindustani, the English version prevails.
Every person who transacts business with:
a department;
an office in a state service; or
a local authority;
has the right to do so in English, Fijian or Hindustani, either directly or through a competent interpreter.
State and religion
Although religion and the State are separate, the people of the Fiji Islands acknowledge that worship and reverence of God are the source of good government and leadership.
