The Municipal Council Elections has been deferred.

This has been announced by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in press conference today saying that this is due to economic pressures and fiscal responsibility.

He says deferring the Municipal Council Elections was not an easy decision.

Rabuka says they are committed to delivering democratic local councils this year, however events beyond their control now compel them to act with prudence and fiscal responsibility.

He says holding local government elections, a constitutional referendum and general elections all within a tight six month period, would stretch resources, the electoral machinery, and most importantly, the people.

The Prime Minister stated that the Local Government Elections will impose an additional $18 million on an already tighter fiscal space in the 2026 27 budget.

Rabuka says voter burnout is a real risk when citizens are asked to the polls too frequently in a short space of time.

He adds fatigue sets in, participation drops, and the quality of our democracy suffers.

Rabuka as the Prime Minister, he has a duty to protect the integrity of the electoral processes and ensure that every vote cast carries its full meaning and its energy.

The Prime Minister says this deferral is therefore a decisive but responsible core.