The nation will go into an early election after the Legislative Assembly voted against the national budget 2025-2026 on Tuesday morning.

In favour of confidence in the budget were 16 votes and 34, marking 40 years since a government budget fell short of a majority to pass it in Parliament. This means that the cabinet is most likely to assume a caretaker role, and in line with the constitution, an election has to be called within 90 days.

The Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Vaai tabled the budget in the House and members contended to hold the vote at its first reading. 

Despite the cabinet's contention that members should provide grounds for opposing the budget before a vote, the Speaker ruled that the vote must be held at an early stage of bill reading, as in previous times. 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in her ministerial speech, had warned the House of the consequences of the budget not getting approved. 

She pointed to low registration in constituencies that currently stand at 52 per cent overall. 

Fiame also urged that the failure to pass the budget will have a major impact on the government's operation. The Prime Minister, with all these consequences said they are ready for whatever the House decided.