The potential for a direct public vote for the President necessitates amendments to the 2013 Constitution, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He noted that the responsibility for this decision currently lies with Members of Parliament. Attorney-General Graham Leung has indicated that the matter of constitutional change will be addressed by the Cabinet in the near future.
“The current 2013 Constitution allows for the President to be chosen by elected Members of Parliament,” stated Rabuka. “If we change the Constitution to allow for direct election by the public, that process will be implemented. As it stands, the President is elected by Parliament.”
The Constitution mandates the appointment of the President by Parliament, as outlined in Section 84. When a vacancy occurs, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition each nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who then presents both nominations to Parliament for voting. The candidate receiving the majority support is declared President by the Speaker.
Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on October 31 to vote on Mr. Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has yet to announce his own candidate for the presidency.
Attorney-General Graham Leung reiterated that the Cabinet will soon discuss the amendment of the 2013 Constitution. He mentioned that Prime Minister Rabuka is leading this initiative, despite his packed agenda. Leung emphasized the complexity of the issue, which requires thorough consideration and discussion before making any decisions.
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