Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has stated that the Office of the President should be held by someone of indisputable integrity, someone who is broadly accepted by all communities and serves as a symbol of unity. Chaudhry, who leads the Fiji Labour Party, argues that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, does not fulfill these criteria due to his controversial political history.
Chaudhry described Lalabalavu as an ethno-nationalist with a history of collaboration with the George Speight group and involvement in illegal activities during the 2000 coup. He noted that Lalabalavu was convicted for taking part in an unlawful assembly at the Sukanaivalu Barracks during that period and was sentenced to eight months in prison in April 2005. The Labasa Magistrate, Sunil Kumar, remarked that Lalabalavu had influenced rebel soldiers to act unlawfully, which contradicted the expected behavior of a high chief.
Following that, Lalabalavu joined the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, recognized for its ultranationalist views. Chaudhry also pointed out that Lalabalavu’s parliamentary membership was suspended for two years in May 2015 due to comments deemed “scurrilous” directed at former Speaker Jiko Luveni. More recently, he faced backlash for his allegedly racist comments regarding Opposition Member Aliki Bia and the Melanesian community.
Chaudhry asserted that a person with such a record should not be considered for the presidency. He criticized Prime Minister Rabuka for what appears to be a clear bias in appointing individuals from his province of Cakaudrove to significant positions. The former Prime Minister raised concerns over the nomination process, noting that Rabuka initially proposed Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci as a nominee before shifting to Ratu Naiqama. There is uncertainty surrounding whether Ratu Naiqama is a nominee from the Coalition or the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), as SODELPA and the National Federation Party (NFP) have not clarified their stance on the matter.
Chaudhry expressed that for someone who frequently speaks about national unity, it is perplexing that the Prime Minister would choose to engage in local politics instead of striving for national cohesiveness. He concluded that this approach is not conducive to Fiji’s progress.
The appointment of Fiji’s next President is scheduled for a Special Parliament Sitting on October 31.