At least half of the 17 FijiFirst party Members of Parliament are set to transition into independent MPs, following the party’s deregistration on Monday.
Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu announced his decision to remain as an independent MP and expressed a strong intention to support key government initiatives.
“I can confirm that about eight to 10 of us will remain independent to move the country forward,” Bulitavu stated. He highlighted priorities such as passing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and reviewing the 2013 Constitution.
Bulitavu emphasized that he would not join any political party, citing unclear rules and constitutional guidelines. “I will not join the Prime Minister’s political party or any other party because the rules and constitution are not clear,” he said.
He noted that the drafters of the 2013 Constitution had not anticipated a scenario with independent MPs and their cooperation with the Government. “The Speaker had requested us last month to inform him individually about our status—whether we would join any party or remain independent,” Bulitavu explained.
Bulitavu shared that he communicated his decision and views with other MPs, highlighting an opportunity for national unity. “We need to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for our leader, Voreqe Bainimarama, who is serving a prison sentence, to seek forgiveness and spend time with his family,” he stressed. He also pointed out the necessity to address issues within the 2013 Constitution.
Bulitavu revealed that enough time was given to the FijiFirst party to respond to the Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, but the party lacked the authority to amend its constitution due to the resignation of all founding members. “The office bearers, who were the founding members, were active when we received the letter from the Supervisor of Elections, but they chose to resign,” he said.
Legal advice was sought, but it proved ineffective in salvaging the party. Some businessmen had offered assistance to clear the party’s debt, but the offers were declined. “When businessmen get involved, they want to influence the board and make decisions for their own benefit,” he remarked, distancing the current stance from past practices where businessmen controlled party decisions. “We do not want this to happen at the expense of advancing the country and voters’ interests.”
Bulitavu stated that further legal opinions would be sought and appealed to FijiFirst voters for their continued support.