FIJI will defer local government elections until after the next general election.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has cited rising economic pressure, a crowded electoral calendar and the need to protect public finances as reasons for the delay.
“After careful consideration by Cabinet, I have decided to defer the Local Government Elections to a date to be determined after the upcoming General Elections.”
Rabuka said the decision was not easy, but the government had acted with prudence and fiscal responsibility.
He said global oil shocks had pushed up costs for households, businesses and the state, while the local election would add an estimated $FJD18 million burden to the 2026/2027 budget.
Rabuka also pointed to requests from bus operators for fare relief and a possible need for power rationing.
Holding local government elections, a constitutional referendum and general elections within six months, he said, would overextend the electoral system and discourage turnout.
“Voter burnout is a real risk. I will not allow that to happen.”
He insisted that the government had not abandoned it’s pledge to restore elected councils.
“This is not a retreat from our commitment to local democracy, it is a strategic pause to ensure we get it right under the prevailing conditions.”
Rabuka said the government would continue to manage municipal affairs under interim arrangements.
