PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has once again assured that the next general election will be held no later than February 6, 2027.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Rabuka said the Government remained committed to holding the election before the deadline, dismissing concerns that proposed constitutional provisions could allow the Coalition Government to extend its term.
The concerns centre on Section 211(2) and (3) of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which provides for the Constitution to come into force on March 31, 2028, while allowing the President to proclaim an earlier commencement date.
Political parties have also questioned whether the provision could allow the Constitution to take effect before the election, potentially enabling the Government to rely on the proposed Section 201(3) to extend Parliament’s term during a state of emergency.
Under the proposed provision, if a state of emergency is in force when the House of Representatives’ term expires, the President may, on Cabinet’s advice, extend the term for a specified period.
Mr Rabuka rejected suggestions that the provisions were intended to delay the election, saying the March 31, 2028 commencement date is to give the Government time to establish institutions required under the proposed Constitution, including the Senate.
“After the enactment of the 2026 Constitution, it will take time to set up institutions such as the Senate,” he said.
“It is envisaged that most of these institutions will take a year to set up. Having the Constitution commenced on 31 March, 2028 gives Government that space.”
He said the provision also allowed parts of the Constitution to commence earlier if required, through a proclamation by the President acting on Cabinet’s advice.
However, Mr Rabuka said the Government had no intention of advising the President to bring the Constitution into force before the election.
“Cabinet has been very clear that elections will proceed before the 6 February 2027.”
