Parliament to remain at 55 seats for next election

The number of Members of Parliament will remain at 55 for Fiji’s next general election, with the Electoral Commission opting for stability after population data produced conflicting outcomes on whether seats should increase or decrease.

The decision was approved at the Electoral Commission’s meeting on December 11, 2025, under its constitutional obligation to review the composition of Parliament ahead of a general election.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili said the review was conducted in accordance with Section 54 of the 2013 Constitution, which requires the EC to assess, at least one year before an election, whether the ratio of MPs to population remains consistent with the first election held under the Constitution.

In carrying out the review, the Commission examined two official data sources — census-based calculations and National Register of Voters-based calculations.

Justice Ratuvili said the data produced differing results.

“After considering both official data sources, the EC noted that the census-based calculations would result in a reduction of seats, while the voter registration-based calculations would result in an increase in seats,” he said.

Following careful consideration, the Commission resolved that retaining the current number of seats was the most appropriate and constitutionally consistent outcome.

“Having weighed these differing outcomes, the EC determined that maintaining the number of seats at 55 is appropriate and consistent with both the express provisions and the spirit of Section 54(2) of the Constitution,” Justice Ratuvili said.

He confirmed there would be no change to the size of Parliament for the next general election.

“In view of this, the EC has resolved that there will be no alteration to the number of seats in Parliament, which will remain at 55 seats,” he said.

The decision brings certainty to political parties, candidates and voters as preparations for the next general election gather pace, ensuring the existing parliamentary structure remains unchanged despite demographic shifts.