The Government has dismissed assertions that the proposed National Referendum Bill 2025 is “undemocratic,” saying concerns raised by Dialogue Fiji misrepresent the intent of the proposed law.
In a statement, the Government said the Bill does not restrict public discussion on referendum issues but is designed to ensure a fair, transparent and orderly referendum process, consistent with the Constitution.
It said the offence provisions highlighted by Dialogue Fiji are not new or unusual, noting they mirror existing electoral laws and international practice.
Any clauses that may appear restrictive will undergo scrutiny through the Parliamentary Standing Committee process, which will invite submissions from civil society groups, the media and the public.
The Government emphasised that the Bill supports responsible public dialogue while guarding the referendum process from misinformation and disinformation. It added that any national referendum will be independently administered by the Supervisor of Elections, and nationwide consultations will precede any constitutional vote.
The Government also called for proper communication channels—particularly in media engagements—to avoid misinformation and public confusion.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparent law-making and constructive engagement with stakeholders, urging Dialogue Fiji to follow established processes to maintain public confidence.
