Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the constitutional provisions allowing Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are analogous to those permitting Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for the presidency under Section 83(1)(e). Rabuka announced that the People’s Alliance Party’s Parliamentary Caucus has decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Speaker and Tui Cakau, as a qualified candidate for Head of State under the 2013 Constitution.
Rabuka highlighted Ratu Naiqama’s extensive qualifications, noting that he is a paramount chief and former senior cabinet minister with experience in various ministerial roles, including i-Taukei Affairs and Lands, Mineral Resources, and Transport and Civil Aviation. Additionally, Ratu Naiqama has held leadership positions such as chair of the TLTB and i-Taukei Affairs Board.
He further emphasized Ratu Naiqama’s educational background, which includes a Master’s degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts and a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development Planning from an institution in Israel, in addition to his credentials as a Land Valuer.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Ratu Naiqama’s parliamentary experience, noting his participation in five general elections and a 26-year career in land valuation focused on Native Affairs and Land Administration.
Rabuka asserted that Ratu Naiqama is a respected figure, valued by his community across ethnic lines and has the ability to steer the nation as Head of State. He praised Ratu Naiqama’s impartiality as Speaker of Parliament, highlighting that both sides of the House regard him as fair in his rulings, fostering lively debate while prioritizing national and public interests.
Rabuka expressed his confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency would bring stability, unity, and prosperity to the nation. He also questioned the motives behind remarks made by the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, referring to the lack of similar complaints when Ratu Naiqama was appointed as Speaker in 2022.
Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution states that a person may only be a candidate for Parliament if they have not been convicted of any offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more within the eight years prior to their nomination. Conversely, Section 83(1)(e) stipulates that a candidate for the presidency must not have any such convictions within the six years preceding their nomination.
Section 84(2) outlines the procedure for filling a presidential vacancy, where both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader nominate candidates for parliamentary voting. The individual receiving majority support will be appointed as President, and the announcement will be made publicly by the Speaker.
A special parliamentary session is set for October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s next Head of State.
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