ANY citizen who illegally overthrows an elected Government after the 2014 election should face the death penalty, says Labasa businessman Charan Jeath Singh.
As part of his submissions on the new constitution, Mr Singh said a small developing nation such as Fiji could not afford to stage any more coup.
"We are a developing nation and any other future coup would be disastrous," he said.
"Everyone is sick and tired of coups and any person involved in the future coups either by way of plotting, executing, aiding or abetting should be charged for treason and if that person is found guilty of this offence, then the sentencing handed down by the courts should be no less than a death penalty," Mr Singh said.
Mr Singh told the Constitution Commission the death penalty law should be enshrined in the new constitution.
He said future coups to abrogate the people's constitution should be resisted vigorously by all the citizens of Fiji.
"The coup plotters in the past had one reason or another to overthrow the elected government.
"We have had enough coups to review several of our Fiji's constitutions and I think this country needs to get up and move forward and also catch up with the rest of the world before we get left behind."
Mr Singh said people should not get bogged down in petty personal and racial issues as a reason to stage a coup.
"Instead let's all have an inclusive approach to elect and run a fair and transparent government for our future generations.
"Let's set a solid foundation now by formulating a constitution so that our children, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren can live harmoniously in this multicultural and diverse country without fear and favour."