THE Social Empowerment Education Program (SEEP) is urging authorities to begin early, sustained public awareness on Fiji’s proposed national referendum, warning that recent low consultation turnouts highlight the need for adequate community preparation time.
The call follows a sparse turnout at the Parliamentary Standing Committee consultation on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026 on September 15 in Labasa, where fewer than 10 people attended.
SEEP was the sole organisation to make a submission.
SEEP executive director Chantelle Khan said the experience provided a crucial lesson as Fiji approaches a proposed referendum between November and mid-December 2026.
“People need enough time to understand, think, discuss, and ask questions before they are asked to participate in an important national process.”
With the proposed new Constitution targeted for December 24, 2026, SEEP expressed concern over the brief timeframe available to educate citizens on an unprecedented national process.
“The concern is that we should not wait until one week or one day before the referendum to start explaining to people what the process is and how it will work.”
