Fiji, Sept. 21 -- Rewa chief and Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) member Ro Naulu Mataitini says Fiji must put the next general election ahead of constitutional reform to avoid creating uncertainty over the country's electoral timetable.

Mataitini says the proposed process to have a new Constitution in place by 24 December 2026 leaves too little time for proper scrutiny, public debate, civic education and preparations for an election that must be held by 6 February 2027.

Cabinet has proposed a referendum between November and mid-December, with a new Constitution to come into force by 24 December if approved through the required processes.

Mataitini argues that the constitutional process should be sequenced rather than rushed to meet a dea...