The Electoral Commission says it will give serious consideration to matters relating to the announced 2026 National Referendum and the upcoming General Election before making any decision.
The Commission has responded to letters from the Centre of Democracy and Dialogue dated 5th and 6th October 2026, which raised concerns about the suspension of campaigning before the third reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill.
The Commission says it will deliberate on the extent of the discretion provided under Section 15(2) of the National Referendum Act 2026, including whether that discretion should be exercised, the reasons for and against it, and the potential impacts of either approach.
The Commission says referenda and elections are not mutually exclusive and, under favourable conditions, can be conducted at the same time without significant detriment to either event.
It says this will be one of the factors considered by the Commission.
Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Usaia Ratuvili, says the request received from the Prime Minister will be thoroughly reviewed before a decision is made.
Justice Ratuvili says the Commission takes its constitutional and statutory duties seriously to conduct free and fair elections impartially and without any direction or control from any person or authority.
The Commission says it is considering all its functions, duties and powers under the National Referendum Act 2026, including the discretion under Section 15(2).
They say once a decision is made, the Prime Minister will be informed and the decision will be announced through a media release.
They add that in the meantime, preparations for the General Election will continue alongside preparations for the announced 2026 National Referendum.
