Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka stresses that the Constitution and the parliamentary and electoral systems are clear - we will have elections.
Rabuka has made this clear to fijivillage News after Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu raised concerns about Rabuka earlier saying that the Government is considering whether the next election should proceed according to the constitutional timetable.
When questioned by us, Rabuka says the government tried for a parliamentary vote, and the Opposition successfully used their imposed conditions to block it, so the Coalition he confidently leads will adopt the only option open - to continue to run down the clock on current provisions while also following due processes to amend the various laws that need to be changed.
When asked on whether these suggestions of the government trying to delay the elections based on Constitution changes is concerning him and what is his message to the people, Rabuka says no, constituonal changes are parliamentary processes.
He says governments work in accordance with Constitutions until the Constitution is changed.
The Prime Minister says the People’s Alliance Party came in with the mandate from their voters to change the Constitution and its electoral processes.
He says they are pursuing those, and whether they finish them or not, they are bound to turn the mandate back to the people to elect their representatives according to the existing laws.
Rabuka says he is ready to go to elections when the laws dictate either to go the full term or to call for early elections according to law.
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has said in a statement that any attempt to delay the next general election risks creating a constitutional crisis and undermining public confidence in Fiji's democratic process.
Seruiratu says Fiji is only months away from the dissolution of Parliament.
He says it is unrealistic to expect major constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, public consultations, parliamentary processes and any potential referendum to be completed in a credible and democratic manner before the next election.
Seruiratu says the Coalition Government has had almost four years to pursue constitutional and electoral reforms and, if these were genuine priorities, they should have been advanced much earlier.
He says the people of Fiji should not be asked to accept uncertainty because of the Government's failure to manage its timetable.
The Opposition Leader has also expressed concern that the current constitutional review process is being rushed, arguing that many ordinary Fijians have not had a meaningful opportunity to participate in discussions about the country's Constitution.
Seruiratu says any constitutional changes must be undertaken carefully and with genuine public participation, not rushed to satisfy political timelines.
He also claims the Prime Minister appears more focused on securing his legacy than addressing issues affecting ordinary Fijians, including the rising cost of living, healthcare, crime, infrastructure and economic uncertainty.
Seruiratu notes that the Electoral Commission has already indicated its readiness to conduct the next general election and says the Government should respect the constitutional timetable and allow Fijians to exercise their democratic right to choose their next government.
