Fiji election preparation moves ahead as key existing electoral laws face proposed changes

Fiji’s election machinery is ready for voters, even as proposed changes to electoral laws and a constitutional referendum add another layer to the road towards the next general election.

The Electoral Commission (EC) and the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) say they have proposed changes aimed at making voting more accessible and improving how elections are run.

The constitutional window for the next general election opened on 7 August 2026 and runs until 6 February 2027. But a polling date has yet to be announced.

The proposed changes include removing barriers for eligible voters, expanding postal voting, improving access for people with disabilities and giving political parties greater clarity around the electoral process.

The EC and FEO say the proposals will not affect their readiness to hold the election.

“The proposed amendments do not affect the operational readiness of the EC or the FEO to conduct the General Election,” the two bodies said in a joint statement. Comprehensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure that the necessary systems, personnel, resources, and logistical arrangements are in place to deliver a credible, transparent, and efficient election.”

Members of Fiji's Electoral Commission with Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa. Photo/Fijian Elections Office.

They say the preparations will continue throughout the legal election period, regardless of whether the proposed law changes are approved.

The EC also says voters will be kept informed of any changes that could affect how they take part in the election.

“Accordingly, the EC and the FEO will ensure that appropriate voter information and awareness activities are undertaken so that voters clearly understand any changes affecting their participation in the electoral process.”

The Fijian Elections Office says preparations will continue throughout the legal election period, regardless of whether the proposed law changes are approved. Photo/Fijian Election Office

Referendum adds another major vote

Fiji is preparing for its first referendum on proposed constitutional changes. Parliament is expected to table the Referendum Bill this week, setting out the legal framework for the vote.

Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga told Parliament on Tuesday that the Constitution requires a demanding process for constitutional change including a special parliamentary majority and approval through a referendum.

“That threshold is important. It means the fundamental changes to our constitutional framework cannot be made simply because one government has the numbers to do so,” Turaga said.

“Constitutional reform must be supported by broad national consensus.”

The Constitution Review Commission completed its public consultation on 10 July and is due to submit its final report to the President on 31 August, 2026.

Turaga has also acknowledged suggestions that the next general election could be held under the current Constitution.

The Constitution Review Commission conducting public consultation in early July. Photo/FCRC

11 parties now registered

Supervisor of Elections and Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, has confirmed 11 political parties are now registered to contest the election.

The latest to join the field is the Liberation of Fiji Party (LFP), whose registration was approved after it met the legal requirements.

The party initially applied on 3 July 2026 but resubmitted its application on 20 July 2026.

“The party is now required to comply with all statutory obligations applicable to newly registered political parties, including the submission of relevant declarations and disclosures within the prescribed timelines,” Mataiciwa says in a statement.

Opposition Leader and People First Party Leader, Inia Seruratu, says the growing number of parties should not be seen as a problem.

Listen to Inia Seruiratu's full interview below.

“This is democracy, and people have every right to choose their representatives, and of course, Fijian citizens have every right as well to form political parties,” he told PMN News.

“This is democracy lived, democracy being in action here in Fiji, and I also say that it's good to have other political parties as well.”

With the election window now open, Fiji is moving towards a vote that could be shaped by both changes to the electoral system and a wider debate over the country’s Constitution.