The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has resolved to support the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, but says its support comes with a firm condition that Fiji’s next general election must not be delayed.
SODELPA President Ratu Filimoni Soqeta announced the party’s position following a Management Board meeting at the Salvation Army Hall on MacGregor Road in Suva.
“The SODELPA Management Board decision is that SODELPA will support the constitutional reform, which comes with a firm commitment to protecting the people’s democratic rights,” Ratu Filimoni said.
He said the party maintained that the next general election must be held within the timetable prescribed under the 2013 Constitution and no later than February 6, 2027.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has also publicly said the February 6 election deadline remains unchanged and that there is no legal basis for extending it.
Ratu Filimoni said SODELPA’s support for constitutional reform was consistent with the December 2022 Coalition Agreement between SODELPA, the People’s Alliance and National Federation Party, which included a commitment to consult widely on reviewing the 2013 Constitution.
“The next general election must not be delayed beyond the constitutional timetable, and the right of people to choose their Government must be protected.”
SODELPA also said the proposed constitutional changes and consequential amendments must uphold transparency, accountability and the rights of all communities.
The Constitution Amendment Bill was tabled in Parliament this week and proposes major changes to Fiji’s system of government, including a bicameral Parliament comprising a House of Representatives and a 23-member Senate.
SODELPA also welcomed Rabuka’s assurance that the election would proceed under the existing constitutional timetable.
The party noted that the Bill currently provides for the Constitution (Amendment) Act to come into force on March 31, 2028, while its transitional provisions provide mechanisms for implementation.
