Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has written to the Electoral Commission seeking the suspension of all general election campaigning until after Fiji’s national referendum, scheduled for December 9, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference today, Mr Rabuka said the decision was intended to allow the referendum process to proceed with the necessary focus and clarity.
“I have written to the Electoral Commission to suspend all general election campaigning until after the referendum on 9 December 2026,” he said.
Mr Rabuka confirmed that the referendum will be held on December 9, following the President’s expected issuance of the writ.
“The national referendum will be held on the 9th of December,” he said.
He said the referendum would give all eligible citizens the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and decide on the question or questions put before them.
“Every eligible citizen should be free to express their views, to ask questions, to seek information, and ultimately make their own decision,” Mr Rabuka said.
The Prime Minister said different views were expected and were an important part of the democratic process.
“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,” he said.
Mr Rabuka also stressed that the Government would respect the independence of the electoral institutions responsible for administering the referendum.
“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,” he said.
He said the referendum votes would be counted following polling, with the results expected to be announced by December 14, subject to completion of the processes required by law.
The Electoral Commission had opened the general election campaign period in May, with the next general election required to be held between August 7, 2026 and February 6, 2027.
The move comes as Parliament has also advanced the constitutional reform process, with the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 moving to a Special Parliamentary Committee for scrutiny and public consultation.
