Fiji constitutional amendment controversy

Political opposition has mounted against the Fiji government’s efforts to fast-track the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026. The National Federation Party (NFP) rejected the Prime Minister’s announcement of a December 9 referendum date, arguing the move is premature because the Bill has not yet passed Parliament and a bipartisan special parliamentary committee has not completed its scrutiny or public consultation.

Following this, the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) formally voted to oppose the Bill’s third reading. SODELPA expressed concerns that the amendments, particularly those regarding emergency powers and the potential extension of Parliament’s term, could be used to delay electoral accountability. The party also criticized the retention of immunity provisions and called for a focus on national issues like the cost of living and crime.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has warned that if the government fails to secure the required two-thirds majority for the Bill, it could lead to the dissolution of the Coalition Government, forcing parties to contest the next general election independently.