# Fiji constitutional reform debate > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fiji-constitutional-reform-debate > Updated: 2026-10-31T20:42:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Fijian government is pursuing a constitutional overhaul through the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, aiming to complete amendments and hold a national referendum before the February 2027 general election. This process has faced criticism from political leaders, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and the National Federation Party, who argue the timeline is too rushed and that the government should prioritize issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure. In response to pressure from the public and political parties regarding the compressed timeline, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has moved to extend the deadline for the Special Committee reviewing the bill. Opposition leader Professor Biman Prasad suggested that while the 2013 Constitution should be reviewed, the process should continue after the next general election to ensure wider consultation and political consensus. Support for the amendments remains divided. The Vanua Ko Lau chiefs have urged Parliament to pass the legislation to protect indigenous land and resources from ordinary politics. However, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, warned that the bill could make constitutional immunity permanent under section 207 if passed at its third reading. He urged Parliament to use this opportunity to break the cycle of coups and impunity, stating the military does not seek legal protection from accountability for past wrongdoing. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-31: Fiji Parliament extends review of Constitution Amendment Bill Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has extended the review period for the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 following concerns from opposition parties and warnings from military leadership regarding permanent's 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-military-and-lau-chiefs-support-constitutional-amendments ### 2026-10-24: Fiji faces backlash over constitutional reform timeline Fiji's government faces criticism from former PM Mahendra Chaudhry and the NFP over the rushed timeline for constitutional reforms and a proposed national referendum. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-faces-backlash-over-constitutional-reform-timeline --- Cite as: Fiji constitutional reform debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fiji-constitutional-reform-debate