Constitution Amendment Bill Passes Second Reading, Referendum Could Follow in December

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 has passed its second reading in Parliament, moving Fiji’s constitutional review process to its next stage.

The Bill will now be considered by an 11-member Special Parliamentary Committee, which will scrutinise the proposed amendments and undertake consultations with members of the public and other stakeholders.

Under the constitutional process outlined by Government, at least 30 days must pass between the second and third readings of the Bill.

The Bill is expected to return to Parliament for its third reading during the week of 2 November 2026, following the work of the Special Committee and the tabling of its report.

If the Bill receives the required two-thirds support in Parliament at its third reading, the proposed constitutional amendments would then proceed to a national referendum.

Subject to the issuance of a referendum writ by the President, in consultation with the Electoral Commission, the referendum is expected to be held on Wednesday, 9 December 2026.

Registered voters would then have the opportunity to vote on the proposed constitutional amendments.

Further information on the parliamentary and public consultation process is expected to be released in the coming weeks.