Fiji: Prime Minister Rabuka likely to seek electoral and indigenous rights reform prior to 2026 election
On 29 August, Fiji’s Supreme Court issued an opinion lowering the threshold needed for constitutional amendments. The Supreme Court announced that amendments should require a two-thirds parliamentary majority and a simple majority in a referendum. Whereas the 2013 Constitution, imposed by Frank Bainimarama after he installed himself as Prime Minister by coup in 2006, had required a three-quarters majority in both parliament and a public referendum. The current government brought the case to the Supreme Court following the failure to amend the requirement in Parliament earlier in March 2025. Closely following the opinion’s release, PM Rabuka stated that Fiji could soon hold its first referendum.
Assessment: Based on previous public statements, PM Rabuka is likely to seek reform in the electoral system to increase geographic representation and increased iTautkei (indigenous) rights. The latter would likely focus on empowering the Great Council of Chiefs and increasing control over economic development of land by traditional land owners. However, both the Fiji Law Society and Labour Party leader and former PM, Mahendra Chaudhry, criticised PM Rabuka’s lack of transparency over what actual constitutional amendments the Coalition Government sought. Chaudhry claimed that Indo-Fijians, who make up a one-third minority of the population and have been discriminated against in previous constitutions, were apprehensive about possible changes. Building trust and time will be two major factors affecting the reform agenda - the Coalition Government currently has sufficient support to achieve a two-thirds majority in parliament, but elections must be held in late 2026, likely between June and December 2026. Rushed amendments risk undermining re-election chances for the current government.
Sources: Margot Staunton, “Fiji Supreme Court Advises Lowering Requirements for Amending 2013 Constitution,” RNZ, 30 August 2025; Kelvin Anthony, “Fijian PM Rabuka Hints at ‘Historic’ Referendum after Landmark Court Ruling,” RNZ, 1 September 2025; “Rabuka Calls for Fiji Electoral System to Be Changed,” RNZ, 10 May 2018; Lavenia Lativerata, “Fiji Government Establishes Subcommittee to Guide Constitutional Amendment Process,” Mai TV Fiji, September 3, 2025; Jon Fraenkel, “Is the Time Ripe for Constitutional Change in Fiji?” Devpolicy Blog, 9 August 2024; Sivaniolo Lumelume, “GCC Seeks Return of Presidential Appointment Powers,” FBC News, 17 November 2024.
