Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has maintained that in making the announcement on the dates for the referendum, he only announced the date for the issuance of the Writ for the referendum, the polling date, and the date by which the results must be returned.
He stresses he did not make any announcement regarding the commencement of the referendum campaign period.
Rabuka says the Government has clearly communicated its intentions to all relevant stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, the Fijian Elections Office, the Electoral Commission, and the Office of the Solicitor-General.
He says because this is Fiji's first referendum, they are navigating uncharted waters; however, they are strictly operating within the provisions of the electoral and referendum legislation.
While responding to claims that the Prime Minister was ill-advised on the legal or constitutional requirements surrounding the announcement, Rabuka stresses he has not been ill-advised, adding they are very clear on the legal processes and the necessary steps they must take.
While responding to the National Federation Party and SODELPA’s response to the announcement, and whether this will affect the future of the Coalition Government, Rabuka maintains that the Coalition Government remains completely intact.
He says the appointed select committee will receive all submissions, and together, they will deliberate on them.
The Prime Minister says in a healthy democracy, there is room to agree to disagree, but they will ultimately move forward with the business of implementing the necessary changes for our people, strictly within the confines of the law.
He is assuring all Fijians that the Government has always abided by the Constitution and the rule of law, and will continue to do so.
Rabuka says while the Government can make recommendations to the Electoral Commission, the ultimate decision rests with them, and the Government will fully respect their independence.
He further says one of the practical reasons for announcing the proposed referendum date early is tied to voter access.
Rabuka says Section 68 of the Electoral Act provides that postal voting applications open upon the announcement of the election date.
He adds Section 6(1) of the National Referendum Act 2026 allows the postal voting provisions from the Electoral Act to apply to referendums.
He says therefore, announcing the date now ensures that voters have ample time to decide which electoral process they will use.
Rabuka adds if voters are aware that they will not be near their polling station on voting day, or if they have any other lawful reason for absence, this early announcement allows them to apply and register as postal voters immediately.
