Referendum Bill to set framework for Fiji’s first constitutional vote

Fiji is moving closer to its first constitutional referendum, with the Referendum Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament this week to establish the legal framework for the historic vote.

Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga confirmed the timeline following yesterday’s Parliament sitting.

“That will come out this week. The Referendum Bill will be tabled this week,” Mr Turaga said.

The Bill would provide the legal framework required to conduct the country’s first constitutional referendum.

However, Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili has cautioned that conducting a referendum would be a lengthy process.

At an earlier media briefing, Justice Ratuvili said Parliament, or another body appointed by Parliament, would first have to determine the question to be put to voters.

He said determining the question would itself be a process.

Constitution review nearing completion

The development comes as the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) works towards an August 30 deadline to complete its review.

Mr Turaga said final touches were being made to the commission’s work.

“Today (yesterday) is the 18th, so we have 12 working days to complete and the 30th (August 30) we will submit to His Excellency.

“The second consultant, drafter, arrived yesterday and I am aware that final touches are being made, so this week and the next are very important. We have the drafters and we also have the consultants. The consultants are familiar with constitution drafting in the region, so we are looking forward to that day,” he said.

Mr Turaga also acknowledged views that the next General Election could be held under the current Constitution.

He said much had already been said on the issue and he did not want to create further confusion.