Fiji will hold a national referendum on Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced the date in a national address on Monday.

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu gave his assent to the National Referendum Act 2026 on Friday. Rabuka said the vote will give eligible Fijians a direct say on the country’s constitutional future. The President is expected to issue the writ on November 9, with results expected by December 14.

The referendum will be run by the Supervisor of Elections under the direction of the Electoral Commission. Rabuka said the government would respect the independence of both institutions.

The Prime Minister also wrote to the Electoral Commission asking that all general election campaigning be suspended until after the referendum writ is returned.

The announcement has drawn criticism. Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu and National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad said the date is premature because parliament has not finished considering the Constitution Amendment Bill. Prasad said only the President can set the date, and only after the Bill passes parliament.