The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 could be put to a national referendum on December 9, 2026, following its passage at second reading in Parliament today.
The Office of the Attorney-General said the Bill would now proceed to a Special Committee established by Parliament, which will scrutinise the proposed amendments and undertake consultations with the public and stakeholders.
Under the 2013 Constitution, at least 30 days must pass between the second and third readings of a constitutional amendment Bill.
The Attorney-General’s Office said the Bill is therefore expected to return to Parliament for its third reading during the week of November 2, 2026, following the Special Committee’s work and the tabling of its report.
The Bill will require the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament at the third reading before it can proceed to a referendum.
If that threshold is met, the Bill will move to the referendum stage, with the Electoral Commission responsible for conducting the national vote.
Subject to the issuance of the Referendum Writ by the President, in consultation with the Electoral Commission, the Government expects registered voters to vote on the proposed constitutional amendments on Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
The Attorney-General’s Office said registered voters would have the opportunity to consider the Bill at the national referendum.
Further information on the next stages of the parliamentary process is expected to be provided in due course.
The public has also been encouraged to follow official Government channels for updates on the process.
