Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has stated that a crossbencher’s vote is flexible and tradeable. He explained that the nine members of Parliament who have shown support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will remain independents but will act as crossbenchers. Their voting decisions will depend on the specific issues being discussed in Parliament.
Former FijiFirst MP Mosese Bulitavu commented that their support for the Prime Minister would not influence their responsibilities as members of the Opposition. He clarified that crossbenchers, who may be independents or from minor parties, usually do not align with the Government, allowing them the freedom to decide their parliamentary votes on an issue-by-issue basis.
“I think that most people don’t understand how crossbenchers work, particularly for independents,” Mr. Seruiratu stated. He elaborated that in other political systems, individuals start as independents before entering Parliament and continue as crossbenchers once elected. This seems to be the path chosen by the nine members.
“They will remain independents, but their vote is flexible. Depending on lobbying from other parties and the issues before Parliament, their votes are tradable when voting on issues,” he added.
Mosese Bulitavu, one of the MPs supporting Mr. Rabuka, emphasized that they will continue to collaborate with Opposition members. He remarked that as the ‘middle blocks,’ they aim to mediate between the Government and Opposition, fostering unity between the two sides.
“The leader of the Opposition has already confirmed to the media that he is still open to collaboration with the PM, and we are optimistic about future cooperation,” Mr. Bulitavu stated. He assured that their position as part of the middle block would not hinder their work with the Opposition Leader.