Source: Social Empowerment Education Program (SEEP)
17 September 2026
The Social Empowerment Education Program (SEEP) is calling for early and sustained public awareness on Fiji’s proposed national referendum, saying the recent low turnout at the Parliamentary consultation in Labasa provides an important lesson on the need to give communities sufficient time and information to participate.
Fewer than 10 members of the public attended the consultation on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026 held on 15 September at Khatriya Hall, Naodamu, Labasa. SEEP was the only organisation that made a submission.
SEEP Research and Policy Officer Metuisela Gauna made the submission, accompanied by SEEP Deputy Director Josefa Ravea.
SEEP believes the low turnout should not automatically be interpreted as a lack of public interest. Instead, it raises questions about whether communities were given enough notice, information and opportunity to prepare and participate.
The consultation also took place on the same day as the National Agriculture Show at Subrail Park, which attracts people from across the North.
SEEP Executive Director Chantelle Khan said the Labasa experience should be taken as a lesson as Fiji moves towards a proposed national referendum.
“People need enough time to understand, think, discuss and ask questions before they are asked to participate in an important national process,” Ms Khan said.
According to media sources, the Government has proposed holding a referendum between November and mid-December 2026, with the proposed new Constitution to take effect by 24 December 2026, subject to the required processes.
SEEP acknowledges the progress being made on the constitutional review but is concerned about the short timeframe available to prepare the public for a referendum, a process Fiji has never held before.
“The concern is that we should not wait until one week or one day before the referendum to start explaining to people what the process is and how it will work,” Ms Khan said.
SEEP is therefore calling for public awareness on the proposed referendum to begin now, using radio, television, social media, print media and community meetings.
The organisation believes the public should have sufficient time to understand the referendum process, the proposed constitutional changes and how they will participate.
“Labasa has shown us that public participation cannot be assumed. We need to make sure people are informed and given a genuine opportunity to participate,” Ms Khan added.
SEEP encourages Government, Parliament and relevant authorities to begin engaging communities on the referendum process as early as possible.