Fiji will hold a national referendum on Wednesday, 09 December 2026, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced, setting the date for a vote that will give eligible Fijians a direct say on the country’s constitutional future.
Rabuka made the announcement in a national address Monday after President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu assented to the National Referendum Act 2026 on Friday.
“Today, I am pleased to re-affirm, and announce that: The National Referendum will be held on Wednesday, 09 December 2026,” Rabuka said.
He said the referendum would allow all eligible Fijians to exercise their democratic rights and make their own decision on the question or questions put to them.
Rabuka acknowledged that the referendum would generate differing views but said disagreement was a normal part of the democratic process.
“Every eligible Fijian should be free to express their views, ask questions, seek information and, ultimately, make their own decision
“Whatever our individual views may be, I ask that we conduct this national conversation peacefully, and respectfully, and allow the democratic process to take its course,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government, Parliament and independent electoral institutions each had responsibilities in ensuring the referendum was properly conducted.
The referendum will be administered by the Supervisor of Elections under the direction of the Electoral Commission and in accordance with the law.
Rabuka said the Government would respect the independence of the electoral institutions.
To allow the Electoral Commission and Fijian Elections Office to focus on the referendum, Rabuka said he had written to the Electoral Commission requesting the suspension of all general election campaigning until after the return of the referendum writ.
The President is expected to issue the writ on 9 November 2026, with polling to follow one month later on 09 December.
Votes will be counted after polling, with the referendum results expected to be announced by 14 December 2026, subject to completion of the processes required under the law.
Rabuka said the Electoral Commission would provide further information on the arrangements for the referendum.
The Commission is chaired by Justice Usaia Ratuvili, while Ana Mataiciwa is the Supervisor of Elections.
Rabuka urged voters to rely on official information from the Electoral Commission and Fijian Elections Office as the referendum process gets underway.
He said the constitutional process required voters to consider the issues carefully and participate fully.
“Our Constitution belongs to all of us.
“The decisions we make about our constitutional future demand our careful consideration and our full participation,” Rabuka said.
He encouraged Fijians to stay informed, take part in consultations, ask questions and listen respectfully to different views in the weeks leading up to polling day.
Rabuka said the final decision would rest with voters.
“When 9 December comes, the decision will be yours.
“Exercise your democratic right. Make your choice. Let your voice be heard,” he said.
He called for the referendum campaign and voting process to be conducted peacefully, saying Fijians could disagree on the constitutional questions while remaining united as a country.
“As a nation, we may hold different views, but we share one Fiji.
“Let us therefore approach this National Referendum peacefully, respectfully, and with a shared commitment to our country and its future,” Rabuka said.
