Fiji could be facing three major national exercises in the same period, a general election, the national census and a possible referendum on constitutional changes.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Government will have to consider whether it has the financial capacity to meet the cost of all three.

Rabuka made the comments when questioned by Fiji One News over when the next general election will be held, with the earliest possible election date now having passed.

He says he is expecting a report from the Attorney-General next Tuesday during Cabinet meeting, on the Government’s preparations for the election.

But the election is not the only major national exercise Government is preparing for.

The Constitution Review Commission is expected to submit its report this month, potentially setting in motion a process that could lead to constitutional amendments and a referendum.

Rabuka says the financial implications will have to be considered.

“Depending on that, we can actually work out whether we have the money to run it”, Rabuka said.

He says next year’s national census has already been provided for in the budget, while a referendum would add another significant cost.

“So it’ll be census, election, and the other… which is the referendum, which is very costly”, he said.

The Prime Minister says the referendum would only proceed if proposed constitutional amendments pass through Parliament.

He explained that once the Constitutional Review Commission’s report reaches the President, it would go to Cabinet before being taken to Parliament for debate.

If the required parliamentary vote is secured, the proposed constitutional amendments would then be put to the people.

That process could also determine whether Fiji’s next general election is held under the current Constitution or a new one.

Asked whether he expects the next election to be conducted under a new Constitution, Rabuka said it would depend on whether the Government can secure enough support in Parliament.

“Well, it will depend on if we can get the vote in Parliament,” Rabuka said.

Rabuka says there is positive sentiment towards constitutional change and putting the proposed amendments to the people.