Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the provisions of the Constitution permitting Mahendra Chaudhry to contest elections under Section 56(2)(g) are akin to those allowing Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for President under Section 83(1)(e).
Rabuka announced that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Honourable Speaker and Tui Cakau, as a candidate for Head of State, emphasizing that he meets all requirements outlined in the 2013 Constitution.
Ratu Naiqama is recognized as a paramount Chief and a former Senior Cabinet Minister, having held various ministerial portfolios, including i-Taukei Affairs and Lands, Mineral Resources, Transport, and Civil Aviation. He has also served as chair of the TLTB and the i-Taukei Affairs Board.
The Prime Minister highlighted Ratu Naiqama’s academic accomplishments, including a Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts and a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development Planning from Israel’s Development Study Centre. His foundational education as a Land Valuer further bolsters his qualifications.
Rabuka pointed out that Ratu Naiqama is a seasoned parliamentarian with successful participation in five general elections. He has dedicated 26 years to his career as a Land Valuer in the TLTB, focusing on Native Affairs and Land Administration, and has practical experience in land management, valuation, and estate management.
As a paramount chief, Ratu Naiqama is described as fair and well-respected among people of all ethnicities, particularly among those who have leased land for generations in Cakaudrove. Rabuka noted that Ratu Naiqama has served as the former Leader of the Opposition and is currently the Speaker of Parliament, asserting that he is well-suited to lead the country as Head of State.
The Prime Minister commended Ratu Naiqama for being impartial and fair in his role as Speaker, stating that both sides of the House acknowledge his capability. Rabuka expressed confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s term as President would bring a period of national stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity.
Rabuka has also questioned the motives behind a recent statement made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party. He remarked that there were no complaints raised when Ratu Naiqama was appointed as Speaker in 2022, despite him becoming a senior national leader at that time.
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, a person may run for Parliamentary election if they have not been convicted of any offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more in the eight years prior to nomination. Similarly, Section 83(1)(e) outlines that a candidate for the Presidency must not have been convicted of any offence under any law during the six years immediately preceding their nomination.
Section 84(2) states that, when a vacancy arises in the Presidency, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who will then present both names to Parliament for a vote. The nominee receiving the majority support from members present will be appointed as President, and the Speaker will publicly announce the decision.
A Special Parliament Sitting is scheduled for October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s next Head of State.
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