Nilesh Lal, Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, has warned that delaying elections in Fiji could trigger a constitutional crisis.
Speaking at a panel discussion, Lal said the constitution clearly stipulates that elections must be held by 7 February 2027.
“For delay in elections, that is going to create a constitutional crisis,” Lal said.
“If elections are not held by 7 February 2027, the constitutional authority of the current Parliament will lapse. There will be a vacuum — no lawful authority to make laws or appropriate public funds. That’s a constitutional crisis.”
Lal stressed that the constitutional review process does not need to be tied to the timing of elections.
“The process can start and continue for months or even years,” he said.
“That is why we recommended that the review be kept separate from political influence, free from political capture. Regardless of who is in power, the Constitution Review Commission can continue its work if it is adequately empowered under the Constitution Review Act.”
He added that the next Parliament, following elections, would then receive the Commission’s report.
“It doesn’t need to be linked to elections,” Lal said.
He also noted that the review process would have been more effective if initiated earlier, saying, “It would have been good if this process had started maybe two years ago.”
