Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that the next general elections and the national referendum on the Constitution Amendment Bill are expected to be held together by February 6th 2027.
Rabuka confirmed this to fijivillage News after he was asked whether we expect the general elections and the referendum together by February 6th 2027 based on the timeline for the third reading of the Constitution Bill in Parliament from 30th November to 4th December 2026.
Rabuka moved a motion in Parliament yesterday to table the report of the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Constitution Amendment Bill at a later date.
The extended timeline is expected to allow for more public consultations, report writing and amendments to the Constitution Bill.
A 9th December timeline to have a national referendum is now impossible if two thirds of Parliament agree to the Constitution Bill on 4th December.
We also asked whether Rabuka is confident to get the two thirds support of Members of Parliament to get the Constitution Bill passed and send it to a referendum, what would happen if the National Federation Party and SODELPA oppose it, will the coalition collapse and will the People's Alliance Party just work with the Group of 11 independents led by Ioane Naivalurua.
Rabuka says he remains hopeful to get the two thirds support but is also prepared for whatever outcome.
SODELPA and NFP are saying they will not support the Constitution Amendment Bill, and they want more time for consultations.
Stay with us for developments.
