Fiji aims to adopt new constitution by Christmas, watchdog warns of self-coup risk

The cabinet of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has endorsed the Constitution Review Commission's findings and sought a special parliamentary session on 22 September, aiming to bring a new constitution into effect by Christmas Eve. Established in March, the commission conducted nationwide consultations and delivered a draft to the head of state on 31 August, proposing reforms to the 2013 Constitution that originated after the 2006 military coup.

The government intends to debate the draft from 28 September, followed by a referendum between November and mid-December, with the constitution slated to commence on 24 December 2026. The Centre for Democracy and Dialogue warns that this schedule could make it legally impossible to hold the next general election within the constitutionally mandated four-year term, amounting to an autogolpe. Opposition leader Biman Prasad of the National Federation Party has voiced concerns about the speed and transparency of the process, urging a more open and accountable approach. The proposal has ignited a debate over democratic safeguards ahead of the upcoming election.