Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has emphasized that the position of President should be filled by a candidate of unquestionable integrity, someone who is widely accepted by all communities and embodies unity. He has expressed concerns regarding Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, suggesting that he does not meet these standards due to his controversial political history.
According to Chaudhry, Lalabalavu has a background marked by ethno-nationalism and was closely associated with the George Speight group, engaging in treasonous activities during the 2000 coup. He was convicted for taking part in an “unlawful assembly” at Sukanaivalu Barracks and sentenced to eight months in prison in 2005. During sentencing, Magistrate Sunil Kumar noted that as a high chief, Ratu Naiqama should have guided the rebel soldiers instead of influencing them to commit crimes.
After his release, Lalabalavu joined the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, known for its extreme nationalist views. His political career also faced setbacks when he had his parliamentary membership suspended for two years in 2015 after making derogatory statements about then Speaker Jiko Luveni. More recently, he has received backlash for making what were perceived as racist comments towards Opposition Member Aliki Bia, as he criticized the Melanesian community.
Chaudhry insists that an individual with such a problematic record should not be considered for the presidency. He also critiqued Prime Minister Rabuka for what he sees as favoritism in appointing people from his own province of Cakaudrove to high-ranking positions.
Furthermore, he questioned the clarity surrounding the nomination process for the presidency, stating that it remains uncertain whether Lalabalavu is the nominee for the Coalition or the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), as the positions of SODELPA and NFP regarding his candidacy have yet to be communicated.
Chaudhry highlighted the contradiction between Rabuka’s calls for national unity and his tendency towards parochial politics, asserting that this approach is not conducive to the future of Fiji. The new President of Fiji is expected to be appointed during a Special Parliament Sitting on October 31.
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