The Minister for Lands, Filimone Vosarogo, has firmly dismissed the Opposition Leader’s calls for the Prime Minister to step down during the current appeal period. Instead, he has challenged the Opposition Leader to initiate a vote of no confidence within Parliament.
During a media session, Mr. Vosarogo clarified that the Opposition Leader has misrepresented the legal standing, emphasizing that no formal appeal has yet been filed. He stated, “Even if the Prime Minister had indicated an intention, no appeal has been filed. It is within the appeal period and, as mentioned today in the media session, the Prime Minister is considering the advice he is being offered.”
He further pointed out that the Prime Minister is not facing any criminal charges, arguing that comparisons made with former Deputy Prime Ministers illustrate a misunderstanding of legal distinctions. Vosarogo said, “Using the two former Deputy Prime Ministers as examples lacks simple understanding of the difference between criminal law and, in this case, public or administrative law. That understanding should be basic at Leader of Opposition level.”
Moreover, he asserted that the Opposition Leader does not have the authority to demand the Prime Minister’s resignation, highlighting that the Prime Minister has unwavering support from both Cabinet and the People’s Alliance Party. “The Leader of Opposition should accept that, generally, he is in no position to call for the Prime Minister to step aside. The Prime Minister has the full backing of Cabinet. He also has the full backing of the People’s Alliance Party.”
Mr. Vosarogo maintained that the legitimate means to challenge the Prime Minister’s leadership is through parliamentary procedures. He invited the Opposition Leader to proceed with a motion of no confidence to gauge the Prime Minister’s support, stressing that the Opposition must ensure their own group votes in favor.
He also raised questions about the Opposition’s strength in Parliament, arguing that their continued presence is legally secure despite their party being deregistered. “We know that their tenancy in Parliament is preserved by default. The law actually preserves their tenure despite the party that brought them in now being deregistered.”
On a numerical basis, Mr. Vosarogo suggested that the Opposition’s morale is waning, stating, “For argument’s sake, the maths can be entertaining. At best, 11 present members of Parliament are with him. They are losing more as the year drags on.”
In a pointed critique of the Opposition Leader’s electoral mandate, he compared their voter support, noting that the Leader of Opposition secured just over 1,000 votes compared to the Prime Minister’s 77,748 votes. “The Leader of Opposition had just over 1,000 votes — to be precise, 1,221. Hardly would that have brought himself to Parliament, let alone bring others under the D’Hondt system. He is demanding that the Prime Minister, who polled 77,748 votes, step aside.”
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Vosarogo questioned the rationale behind the Opposition group continuing to benefit from parliamentary privileges, insinuating that their lack of substantial support ought to prompt reconsideration of their presence. “Why should the Leader of Opposition’s group continue to enjoy the passage and privilege that the two former leaders of FijiFirst provided them? Can we call on you to step aside, with your group, from Parliament? I am sure you don’t have the confidence of your former leaders, party or no party.”
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Fiji’s political landscape, with calls for accountability and confidence in leadership taking center stage. The development may propel significant discussions within Parliament as parties navigate their strategies moving forward.
Leave a comment