The December 9 date announced for Fiji’s proposed national referendum has been set for planning purposes and does not bypass the parliamentary process, says Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
Mr Turaga made the clarification following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement of December 9, 2026 as the referendum date.
He said Government supported the Prime Minister’s announcement but stressed that the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 must first complete the required parliamentary process.
“Setting a date for planning purposes does not replace or bypass the parliamentary process for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026,” Mr Turaga said.
“The Bill has passed its Second Reading and has been referred to the Special Parliamentary Committee.
“It must still proceed through the required parliamentary stages, including the 30-day period between the Second and Third Readings and the required majority at the Third Reading. That process will continue.”
Mr Turaga said Government also had a responsibility to prepare in advance should the Bill secure the required support at its Third Reading.
Under the National Referendum Act 2026, a referendum is to be held between 30 and 45 days after the writ is issued.
Mr Turaga said Government had been transparent about the timeline it was working towards for referendum preparations, subject to the Bill successfully completing the parliamentary process.
He said the Prime Minister had also made it clear that Government, Parliament and Fiji’s independent electoral institutions had separate responsibilities.
“The referendum will be administered by the Supervisor of Elections under the direction of the Electoral Commission and in accordance with the law,” Mr Turaga said.
He said Government remained committed to providing clear, accurate and timely information to Fijians throughout the process.
