Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has warned coalition partners the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and the National Federation Party (NFP)that their representatives could be forced out of Cabinet if they vote against the Government on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Rabuka said coalition partners who chose to oppose the Bill would have to face the consequences, particularly if they formally withdrew from the governing coalition.
Rabuka confirmed no formal withdrawal had been communicated by either party, but made it clear that their continued participation in Cabinet could become untenable if they went against the Government.
“If they have the vote, they show their hand, then I will have to ask them to leave the Cabinet,” the Prime Minister said.
His warning comes as the Government faces uncertainty over whether it can secure the required two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass the constitutional amendments.
Rabuka revealed that the Government was now relying on 11 independent MPs who had joined its ranks, as well as members of the Opposition, to build support for the Bill.
He acknowledged that some original coalition partners had reportedly been advised not to vote in favour of the proposed changes.
“I have the majority I have and whether that’s two-thirds or not, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Rabuka said the Government had taken the Bill through the full parliamentary process in keeping with its political commitment, but would have to accept the outcome if it failed to secure the necessary numbers.
He said the matter would then return to the people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Government is working with Opposition MP and 11 independent members to secure support for the proposed Constitution (Amendment) Bill, amid signs that some original coalition partners may not vote in favour of the legislation.
Speaking to the media, Rabuka acknowledged that some coalition partners had reportedly been advised not to support the Bill, forcing the Government to look beyond its original coalition arrangements to build parliamentary support.
Rabuka said the Government was engaging the 11 independent MPs who had joined the Government, as well as Opposition members who had recognised the seriousness of the Special Parliamentary Select Committee’s efforts to reach consensus.
The Prime Minister said both government and opposition representatives on the committee had made genuine efforts to consider public submissions and recommendations in working towards agreement on the proposed constitutional changes.
He maintained that the Government would take the Bill through the full parliamentary process, but if it failed to secure the necessary support, there was little more it could do through Parliament.
The Prime Minister described the constitutional reform as a political promise and objective, saying that if it could not be achieved through the political process, the matter would return to the people.
He also confirmed the Government wanted the proposed constitutional changes translated into both i-Taukei and Fiji Hindi to ensure wider public understanding.
