Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed speculation that his Government intends to extend its term in office through the proposed constitutional amendments, saying he has no desire to remain in power beyond the current parliamentary term.
Speaking during constitutional consultations in Rotuma, Mr Rabuka said the Government was committed to completing the constitutional review process within the legally prescribed timeframe.
“Although there have been calls or even speculation that we may extend so that I stay in office longer, I want to tell you that it is not easy when you are already 78 and still trying to do the work,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said his Government had a responsibility to fulfil its election commitment to review and amend the 2013 Constitution.
“But I have a responsibility. I promise the people. We promise the people, as a party, that we would review and amend the constitution. That’s what we’re going for.”
Mr Rabuka explained that the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 had already passed its second reading in Parliament and was now undergoing public consultations before returning for its third reading.
He said members of Parliament would debate and vote on individual clauses and chapters before a final vote on the Bill.
If the Bill secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the proposed amendments would proceed to a national referendum.
However, he stressed that failure to secure the required parliamentary majority would bring the process to an end.
“If Parliament fails to get the threshold of two-thirds in Parliament, then that’s the end of the process.”
Mr Rabuka said the Government was mindful of the constitutional timeframe governing the current Parliament, referring to December 24 and February 6 as significant dates associated with its four-year term.
He maintained that the Government intended to complete the constitutional reform process within the available legal timeframe.
“We as a government are committed to stay within that time frame,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reminded those attending the consultation that the Government had received a mandate from voters to pursue constitutional reform.
He said the responsibility was to carry out the amendments in accordance with the country’s established legal procedures.
