MAKE your own decision.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while reaffirming the December 9, 2026, date for a national referendum on the proposed 2026 Constitution called on Fijians to participate in the polls to decide their new supreme law.
“On that day, all eligible Fijians will have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and make their own decision on the question or questions that will be placed before them,” he said.
“There will, of course, be different views, and that is normal and an important part of democracy.
“Every eligible Fijian should be free to express their views, to ask questions, to seek information, and ultimately make their own decision.
“Whatever our individual views may be, I ask that we conduct this national conversation peacefully and respectfully and allow the democratic process to take its course.
“In the weeks ahead, I encourage every Fijian to stay informed, participate in the consultation process, ask questions, consider the information available, and listen respectfully to the different opinions that will be expressed.
“When 9 December comes, the decision will be yours. Exercise your democratic rights.”
He said the administration of the national referendum will be undertaken by the Supervisor of Elections under the direction of the Electoral Commission.
“In accordance with the law, the government will respect the independence of these institutions as they carry out their respective responsibilities according to law.
“To ensure that the referendum can be administered with the necessary focus and clarity, I have written to the Electoral Commission to suspend all general election campaigning until after the return of the referendum.”
He said a month before the national referendum, the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu will issue the writ for the referendum.
“The referendum will then be held on Wednesday, 9th of December, 2026.
“Following the referendum polling, the votes will be counted and the results announced with the referendum results expected to be announced by the 14th of December, 2026, subject to the completion of the processes required by law.”
The Prime Minister said the Supervisor of Elections and the Electoral Commission will soon make announcements regarding the suspension of the general election campaigning.
“The chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Usaia Ratuvili, and the Supervisor of Elections, Ms Ana Mataiciwa, will provide further information on the electoral arrangements for the national referendum.”
