Electoral Commission says it is ready for election and referendum

The Electoral Commission is ready to conduct Fiji’s next general election and a national referendum, says chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili.

His comments come as debate continues over proposed electoral reforms and constitutional deadlines for the next election draw closer.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun yesterday after appearing before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Justice Ratuvili said preparations for both processes were already in place.

“We are ready,” he said when asked about preparations for the next general election.

On the possibility of a referendum, he said the commission was equally prepared.

“We are prepared for it because it will involve the same voters. But we need the Act to be passed. It’s a process.”

Under the 2013 Constitution, the earliest a general election can be held is August this year. The writ for the election must be issued by December 24, while February 6, 2027, is the constitutional deadline for polling day.

Justice Ratuvili said voter registration and awareness programmes were already under way nationwide through the YES — Your Election, Your Say — campaign.

Teams are conducting registration drives and voter engagement activities in the highlands, the Lau Group and urban centres, including Suva.

He said preparations were continuing as part of the commission’s ongoing work to ensure eligible voters were ready when the election was called.

Eight political parties have registered, while two applications remain under consideration.

If approved, up to 10 political parties could contest the next election alongside independent candidates.

Meanwhile, Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has opposed any move to change Fiji’s voting system so close to the election.

“Unity Fiji opposes any move to change Fiji’s voting system with the election so close. The question every Fijian is asking is simple: Why now?” Mr Narube said.

“The Government has had more than three years to consult, plan and make reforms. If these changes were truly necessary, why wait until the last minute? The timing isn’t just strange; it’s concerning.”

He said free and fair elections depended on certainty and stable rules.

“Voters, parties, candidates and officials all need stable rules they can trust,” the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji said.

“Changes take time. Voters need to be educated, systems updated, officials trained and information communicated clearly.

“It all costs money. Government says the budget is stretched but somehow has funds to make changes to election laws.

“Rushing these changes risks mistakes and damages public trust.

“This is the time to protect trust, not weaken it. A free and fair election is what builds a stronger Fiji.”

Asked whether the commission could adapt if electoral law reforms were passed before the election, Justice Ratuvili said major changes would require constitutional amendments.

“Most of those changes require the Constitution to be changed,” he said.

“Only if the Constitution is amended will those fundamental changes come into effect.”

Electoral law reform is being led jointly by the Electoral Commission, the Fiji Law Reform Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

Under Section 75 of the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, the Electoral Commission is an independent constitutional office responsible for overseeing the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

The commission serves as the policy-making and supervisory body, while its operational arm, the Fijian Elections Office (FEO), led by the Supervisor of Elections, is responsible for implementing electoral policies and conducting elections.