Polling day for Fiji’s proposed national referendum would become a public holiday, under the Referendum Bill 2025 tabled in Parliament last night by Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
Introducing the bill, Turaga said the move is part of a suite of measures aimed at ensuring every eligible Fijian has full and fair access to the polls.
“The bill recognises the safety of the voting process by providing for both eligibility, voting procedures, ballot integrity and the publication of official results. It also ensures that no Fijian is disadvantaged in accessing his or her democratic right.”
Turaga stressed that employers will be required to support voter access.
“Employers must allow reasonable time off for employees to vote,” he said, adding that “polling day must be a public holiday.”
He said making polling day a national holiday was consistent with international best practices to promote maximum voter turnout and ensure equal participation.
“Polling stations must be accessible, appropriately equipped and supported by presiding officers dedicated to upholding order and fairness,” he told Parliament.
According to Turaga, these measures reflect the government’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive democratic process.
He said the bill aims to guarantee that voters can cast their ballots free from intimidation, interference or logistical barriers.
“Every voter must be able to make a free and informed choice,” he said.
The Referendum Bill 2025 sets out the legal framework for how national referendums would be conducted, including the roles of the Electoral Commission and the Supervisor of Elections, as well as the use of school facilities as polling stations funded through the Consolidated Fund.
Turaga said the bill seeks to strengthen democratic governance.
“It empowers citizens, it protects voters, it strengthens institutions, and it ensures that the process is fair, transparent and dignified.”
