People's Alliance party denies election delay
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also rejected claims that his party intended to prevent the 2026 General Election.
Wednesday 06 August 2025 | 22:30
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Inset: People's Alliance party (PAP) general secretary Sila Balawa.
Photos: Ronald Kumar
The People's Alliance Party (PAP) general secretary Sila Balawa has dismissed public speculation that the party is pushing to remain in power for the next 36 months.
Mr Balawa said the party was simply fulfilling its commitments to voters while respecting the constitutional review case currently before the court.
His remarks follow the leak of a PAP submission related to the constitutional review, which has sparked questions about the party's motives.
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“During election, we, as a party, need to keep our promises to the people,” Mr Balawa said.
“At this point, we cannot go into the details of what’s happening because it’s in the hands of the court.”
Mr Balawa stressed the importance of respecting judicial proceedings and refraining from public speculation.
“I might be charged with contempt of court. Out of respect, we must honour the confidentiality demanded by the court. We should not pre-empt whatever decision they will make.
“We have deep respect for the court and the legal system. The rule of law is being followed, and we must be guided by the norms of society. We leave it in the hands of the court until a decision is made.”
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Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also rejected claims that his party intended to prevent the 2026 General Election, insisting that any decision regarding Fiji’s constitutional direction would be determined by the Supreme Court.
Amid growing speculation surrounding the PAP’s intentions, Mr Rabuka addressed media concerns over the formal submission his Government has made to the court — one that includes a proposal to reinstate the 1997 Constitution, replacing the 2013 version currently in effect.
“We are not planning to prevent the election,” Mr Rabuka said.
“We are making a submission to the Supreme Court regarding the Constitution. Everything will be done according to the law and under the court’s ruling.”
The submission has triggered debate over whether it could delay the 2026 General Election. Mr Rabuka acknowledged that reverting to the 1997 Constitution would likely require the drafting of new electoral laws, potentially making a timely election challenging. However, he emphasised that any such development would follow due legal process.
“Those are the practical realities being considered, which is why suggestions have been made about possible delays or alternative arrangements. But the court can just say, ‘No, we’ll proceed this way.’”
When asked whether the return to the 1997 Constitution is part of his party’s proposal, Mr Rabuka responded: “That is the suggestion. That is what we are asking for. And the court can just say no.”
Critics have expressed concern that reinstating the 1997 Constitution could undermine principles of equality and destabilise the country.
Mr Rabuka rejected those concerns.
“No, it should not (cause upheaval). It’s all in accordance with the law. We’re acting within the framework of the current Constitution, which allows us to pursue this course.”
Questions were also raised about the role of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in the constitutional process.
Mr Rabuka clarified that no consultations had taken place with the military leadership.
“There is no need to have discussions with the commander. The commander and senior officers may make their own submissions, and all will be considered by the Supreme Court,” he said.
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