Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has taken a strong stance against Minister Filimone Vosarogo’s comments referring to parliamentary numbers, asserting that the use of “math” to question the legitimacy of the Opposition undermines crucial constitutional protections. In his statement, Maharaj emphasized that the Constitution and applicable electoral laws clearly define how members of Parliament retain their positions.
Maharaj critiqued the Minister’s perspective, labeling it not only amusing but also legally incorrect. He highlighted that according to the 2013 Constitution and the Electoral Act, MPs secure their seats through the votes of the Fijian electorate, dismissing any notion that their mandate is lost if their parties are deregistered or if they step back from former leaders.
He cautioned against what he described as a dangerous misrepresentation of the law, warning that if such logic were accepted, it could lead to the unjust ousting of any MP who shifts focus or whose party undergoes structural changes. Maharaj pointed out that the law is designed to safeguard parliamentary positions from political meddling, asserting that MPs are present in their roles because of the electorate’s choice.
Additionally, he addressed Minister Vosarogo’s reference to the Prime Minister’s considerable vote count, arguing that high popularity does not exempt anyone from legal accountability. He insisted that the matter at hand pertains to upholding parliamentary integrity rather than merely gauging popularity.
Maharaj also expressed concerns regarding the Minister’s comprehension of the D’Hondt voting system, stating that the approach taken reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how this system works to ensure fair representation rather than establishing a hierarchy within Parliament. He deemed it hypocritical for the Minister to suggest that government-aligned MPs face no scrutiny while their Opposition counterparts are challenged.
In the wake of these exchanges, Maharaj affirmed the resilience of the Opposition, declaring that they will persist in fulfilling their responsibilities as mandated by voters and that no ministerial commentary can strip them of their constitutional rights.
This conflict highlights important discussions surrounding electoral integrity, representation, and the balance of power within Fiji’s political landscape, underscoring the need for adherence to the rule of law irrespective of political affiliation or popularity.
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