THE release of the official campaign period dates has placed renewed pressure on Government to complete any proposed constitutional and electoral changes before Fiji returns to the polls.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told this newspaper that Government was still working through the issue but acknowledged that the Electoral Commission had acted according to the timeline set out under the Constitution.
He made the comments while responding to claims that Government was disappointed with the Electoral Commission for releasing the campaign period dates.
“They are independent but perhaps they should have asked for our opinion,” Mr Rabuka said.
“However, the commission is working straight from the timeline as guided by the Constitution.”
He indicated that the release of the dates had now placed Government within a tighter timeframe, as any proposed constitutional changes would also have to be matched by changes to the electoral laws.
Mr Rabuka said changing the Constitution alone would not be enough if the electoral laws remained unchanged before the next general election.
“If we change the Constitution but cannot change the electoral law, then we will have to go to the elections with the old constitutional electoral provisions.”
This means that unless both the Constitution and electoral laws are amended before the election, the country may still go to the polls under the current electoral framework.
Mr Rabuka said Parliament would ultimately decide the way forward.
“We can put a motion to Parliament to help us work towards that and also the budget.
“The next budget would begin in August this year, while the election would fall within that, either under a six-month budget or a full year.”
He also referred to the early February timeline next year, saying the election could be held before “the 2nd or 4th of February”.
Mr Rabuka, however, assured the Government is now working against the election clock, with the official campaign period dates already released and the current constitutional timeline now guiding the country towards the next general election.
