Fiji's voters to decide constitutional amendments through referendum

Registered voters, not Parliament, will have the final say on whether Fiji's 2013 Constitution is amended through a national referendum, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu says.

Speaking at the opening of the Rewa Provincial Council meeting at Lokia Village in Rewa, Mr Bulitavu said many people needed a better understanding of the constitutional amendment process, particularly the role of the referendum.

He said the process involved two stages.

"There are two phases in this referendum. The first is the parliamentary process, where the Bill will go through the first, second and third readings. To pass the second and third readings, it must secure a threshold of 37 votes. I told them this could be achieved by the current coalition in partnership with the 11 Independent members.

"The second phase is the referendum, where all registered voters in Fiji will need to vote. The Constitutional Amendment Bill will only pass, and the Constitution can only be amended, if it receives 50 per cent plus one of the votes cast.

"I reminded them of the importance of participating in the referendum and understanding the two processes. The first takes place in Parliament, while the second involves all registered voters," Mr Bulitavu said.

Mr Bulitavu said public education on the referendum process was crucial because it would be Fiji's first.

"This will be the first time Fiji has held a referendum. It is required under the Constitution. Much has been said during the public submissions about what should or should not be included in the Constitution, but I believe there also needs to be greater emphasis on the process because that is what will allow it to happen.

"That is why I wanted to raise the issue yesterday, so people understand their role as registered voters."

He urged all eligible voters to prepare for the referendum by ensuring they were registered and knew where they would vote.

"First, everyone should have a valid voter card. Second, they should know where their polling station is. Finally, whether they vote 'yes' or 'no' is entirely their choice. We are simply encouraging people to come out and vote because this is a matter of national importance."

Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said on Tuesday that constitutional drafters and consultant Professor Anthony Regan were working from his office as the Coalition Government sought to have a draft Constitution ready before September 1, 2026.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said earlier this month that a referendum could be held alongside the next general election, depending on when the relevant motion is tabled in Parliament.