Fiji’s Parliament will hold an election for a new Speaker tomorrow, convening at 8 am. The session will be conducted by invitation only, with live coverage available on Walesi and the Parliament’s Facebook page.
According to Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua, the role of President-Elect Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu will not commence until he officially takes the Oath of Office. The current Office of the Speaker is set to become vacant on November 12, 2024, following the relevant Standing Orders which dictate that a vacancy must be filled.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his intention to nominate Retired Judge Justice Filimoni Jitoko for the Speaker position. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, is expected to announce his own nomination shortly.
As stipulated in Section 77(1)(a), the Speaker must be elected by a simple majority and should not be a current member of Parliament, although they must be eligible to stand for election.
This transition in leadership underscores the democratic processes in Fiji’s governance and reflects a commitment to ensuring a fair election process. It is a pivotal moment for the Parliament as they prepare for new leadership and the continuity of their legislative responsibilities.
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