Fiji: Constitutional referendum announcement indicates likely general election date

On 16 September, Cabinet endorsed progressing a new constitution through parliament. They further announced that if successful, a referendum would be held over November–December and come into force by 24 December 2026. A Constitutional Review Commission was established in March 2026, reviewed the 2013 constitution, conducted public consultation, and submitted a Draft Constitution Bill to Fiji's President on 31 August. Parliament will debate the report at some point over 22–28 September. Separately, Fiji is also in the window to hold its four-yearly general election but no date has yet been announced by the Prime Minister. The window opened in June and the election must be held by 6 February 2027.

Assessment: PM Rabuka has made constitutional reform a priority since coming to office in 2022. Around 2 September, PM Rabuka stated he did not attend the Pacific Islands Forum to focus on supporting the reform through the President's office. It is therefore highly likely that the general election will be timed to coincide with the referendum as the earliest possible date, or occur after a successful referendum and brought into effect by parliament while PM Rabuka's government still retains a substantial majority. The 2013 Constitution was imposed by Frank Bainimarama after he installed himself as Prime Minister by coup in 2006. Key issues are lowering the current three-quarter majority required for constitutional amendments and increasing iTaukei (indigenous) rights. The latter would likely focus on empowering the Great Council of Chiefs as an additional legislative body and increasing control over economic development of land by traditional landowners.

Sources: Fiji Government, “GOVERNMENT ADVANCES NEXT STEPS IN CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW PROCESS,” Facebook, 16 September 2026; Apenisa Waqairadovu, “Rabuka denies China influenced Forum absence,” FBC News, 2 September 2026; South Pacific Insights, Issue 29, 27 August-9 September 2026.