There are indications today that the general elections and the national referendum on the Constitution Amendment Bill may be held together as Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka moved a motion in Parliament today to table the report of the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Constitution Amendment Bill at a later date.
fijivillage News has received confirmation that the report and the third reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill is expected at a later date but before the end of the current parliament's term which is 24th December this year.
We have received information that the Parliamentary Committee has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko to defer the third reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill to 30th November to 4th December this year.
The extended timeline is expected to allow for more public consultations, report writing and amendments to the Constitution Bill.
With that timeline, a 9th December timeline to have a national referendum is impossible if two thirds of Parliament agree to the Constitution Bill on 4th December.
The thinking now is for the next general elections and the national referendum on the Constitution Amendment Bill to be held together within the legal timeline of February 6th 2027.
Rabuka also moved in Parliament today for independent MP, Sachida Nand to replace National Federation Party Leader and Government MP, Professor Biman Prasad on the Special Parliamentary Committee.
While responding to Rabuka, Professor Prasad maintains more time is needed for constitutional changes to be made, and for the Constitution Bill to come back after the general elections.
He says people need more time.
Professor Prasad withdrew from the Parliamentary Committee over the weekend.
Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu says they agree that more time is needed and they will continue to be on the Committee as they represent the people.
Seruiratu says they are already being questioned and things are being said on the social media that they have been offered diplomatic positions to support the Bill.
He stresses that this is not the case, and they are on the committee for the people.
SODELPA Leader and Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro stresses that SODELPA wants more time for consultations for the people and the Bill not to be rushed to a final parliamentary vote.
Radrodro also highlighted that even provinces like Naitasiri hardly had any consultation.
The motion has been passed.
Stay with us for developments.
