Latest by 2027

Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa hinted yesterday that the General Elections date may be set as early as June 2026, with the latest possible date pinned for February 2027.

Ms Mataiciwa revealed the two possible dates while addressing the media at the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) Warehouse, Laucala Beach, Suva at the start of the FEO sensitive materials destruction project.

She said the 'writ of elections,' a formal document issued by the President, signifies the dissolution of Parliament and initiation of a general election.

Ms Mataiciwa said FEO officers had begun polling venue assessment, revisiting polling stations across the country.

“The first possible writ date, legally, is on June 24, 2026 which means if the first possible writ date is issued then – then the first election date is on the 7th of August 2026,” Ms Mataiciwa said.

“The last possible date that the writ can be issued is on December 24, 2026 which means the last elections date will be on February 6, 2027.

“Which means, this is March, we have to have elections ready by May 2026 - so we have still ample time to work around whatever amendments that will be coming in or passed in Parliament.”

Constitution

Under the 2013 Constitution, Section 59.—(1) The writ for the election of members of Parliament shall be issued by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

(2) The writ for a general election must be issued within seven (7) days from the expiry of Parliament or from the proclamation of its dissolution by the President.

(3) The writ for a by-election must be issued within seven (7) days from the date when a seat or seats in Parliament become vacant or within seven (7) days from the date of determination by the Court of Disputed Returns if an application is made to it under section 63(5) or section 66.

Date of nomination

The last day for the receipt of a nomination of a candidate for election to Parliament is 14 days after the date of the issue of the writ.

Date of polling

Polling commences no later than 30 days after the last day for the receipt of nominations.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj