Election timeline is very clear, PM reiterates

Election timeline is very clear, PM reiterates He said the Government remained committed to ensuring the election was conducted within that timeframe, upholding the democratic process. Sunday 26 July 2026 | 09:00 Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured Fijians the 2027 General Election will be held within the constitutional timeframe, dismissing concerns that it could be delayed. Responding to concerns raised by Opposition Independent MP Alvick Maharaj, Mr Rabuka said the election timetable was clear and there was no uncertainty over when the poll would be held. “The election timeframe is very clear; it has to be held between December 24 to February 4,” he clarified. Related stories Mr Rabuka said the Government remained committed to ensuring the election was conducted within that timeframe, upholding the democratic process. Mr Maharaj had argued that Mr Rabuka had not been clear on whether the election would proceed as scheduled or be delayed. The Opposition MP, who is among the founding members of the newly registered People First Party (PFP), said the party’s announcement of its final 55 candidates would depend on confirmation of the election timetable. He said the party’s constitution had been designed to ensure representation of young people and marginalised groups on its executive committee. Candidate announcement Asked when the party would announce its 55 election candidates, Mr Maharaj said it would depend on the Prime Minister confirming the election timeframe. “Before we announce our candidates and party manifesto, we are still waiting whether we will have the election or not, PM needs to come out clear whether we are having election or not,” he said. “It does not make sense if we announce our candidates and they go out campaigning later to be told they will be no election”. The former FijiFirst politician said the PFP had not confirmed any candidates but remained hopeful that would change in the coming months. “PFP has advertised inviting for potential election candidates, people have applied and we have independent selection committee which will vet, interview and select capable candidates,” he said. Mr Maharaj said party officials had been visiting communities to promote the party’s values, introduce its Members of Parliament and outline its leadership structure. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is the party leader of the PFP. G11 bloc part of selection The G11 group of Independent MPs supporting Mr Rabuka are among those seeking People’s Alliance Party (PAP) endorsement to contest the next election under the party’s banner. Asked when PAP would finalise its candidate list, Mr Rabuka said that decision rested with the party’s management board. “I am just the party leader, I work with the management committee and our selection process is in place and we have a list of applicants,” he said. PAP is the largest party in the Coalition Government after securing 21 seats in the 2022 General Election.