Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has noted that the constitutional provisions permitting Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are akin to the ones allowing Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s nomination for the presidency under Section 83(1)(e).
Rabuka announced that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Honourable Speaker and Tui Cakau, as a qualified candidate for Head of State, compliant with the 2013 Constitution.
He highlighted Ratu Naiqama’s status as a paramount chief and his extensive background as a former Senior Cabinet Minister, holding key ministerial positions in i-Taukei Affairs, Lands, Mineral Resources, Transport, and Civil Aviation. Furthermore, he served as the chair of the TLTB and the i-Taukei Affairs Board.
The Prime Minister listed Ratu Naiqama’s credentials, including a Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts and a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development from a Development Study Centre in Israel, along with his qualifications as a Land Valuer.
Rabuka acknowledged Ratu Naiqama’s extensive experience in parliament, having participated in five general elections. He emphasized his 26-year career in the TLTB, where he focused on Native Affairs and Land Administration, providing comprehensive practical experience in land administration, estate management, and valuation.
He praised Ratu Naiqama as a fair leader who is respected by people of various ethnic backgrounds, many of whom have leased land for generations, becoming integral to the community in Cakaudrove. Rabuka stated that Ratu Naiqama, previously the Leader of the Opposition and currently the Speaker of Parliament, is well-suited to serve as Head of State.
As Speaker, Rabuka noted, Ratu Naiqama has maintained fairness and impartiality in his decisions, benefiting from his vast experience as a national leader and paramount chief. He ensures that parliamentary debates remain dynamic and are always oriented toward the interests of the nation and the people of Fiji.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency would foster a period of national stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity. He also raised questions regarding the motivations behind comments made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party.
Rabuka pointed out that there were no complaints regarding Ratu Naiqama’s appointment as Speaker in 2022, when he assumed a prominent national leadership role.
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, an individual may run for a Parliament seat only if they have not been convicted of any offense that carries a maximum penalty of 12 months or more within the last eight years. Meanwhile, Section 83(1)(e) stipulates that a candidate for the presidency must not have been convicted of any offense under any law within the six years leading up to their nomination.
Section 84(2) explains that when a vacancy occurs in the presidency, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition will each nominate one candidate to the Speaker, who will then present both names to Parliament for a vote. The individual securing the majority support from present members will be appointed President, with the Speaker publicly announcing the chosen candidate.
A Special Parliament Sitting has been arranged for October 31 to nominate and appoint the next Head of State for Fiji.
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