Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has asserted that the constitutional provisions allowing Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are comparable to those enabling Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s nomination 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, who is not only the Honourable Speaker but also the Tui Cakau, acknowledging that he meets the necessary qualifications outlined in the 2013 Constitution to serve as Head of State.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Ratu Naiqama is a paramount chief and former Senior Cabinet Minister, having held various ministerial roles including i-Taukei Affairs and Lands, Mineral Resources, Transport and Civil Aviation. He has also chaired the TLTB and the i-Taukei Affairs Board.
“Ratu Naiqama possesses a Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts, a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development planning from the Development Study Centre in Israel, in addition to his qualifications as a Land Valuer,” Rabuka stated.
Rabuka further noted that Ratu Naiqama has rich parliamentary experience, having successfully contested in five general elections.
“His 26-year tenure as a Land Valuer at the TLTB was devoted to Native Affairs and Land Administration, where he served as a Land Estate Manager, gaining significant practical knowledge in land administration, estate management, and valuation,” he explained.
“As a paramount chief, he is respected and beloved by people of all backgrounds, many of whom have leased land for generations, forming an integral part of Cakaudrove’s community.”
Rabuka remarked that Ratu Naiqama, who previously served as Leader of the Opposition and is currently the Speaker of Parliament, is well-equipped to lead the nation as Head of State.
“As Speaker, he is recognized by both sides of the House for his fairness and impartiality in rulings, drawing from his extensive experience as a national leader and paramount chief, he ensures that debates are vigorous and always prioritizes the interests of the nation and the people of Fiji.”
Rabuka expressed his confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency would usher in a period of national stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity.
He also questioned the motivations behind a recent statement made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party.
“When Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was appointed as Speaker in 2022, he became a senior national leader and no such complaints were raised at that time,” Rabuka pointed out.
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, an individual may be a candidate for election to Parliament only if they have not been convicted of any offense carrying a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 12 months or more within the previous eight years. Meanwhile, Section 83(1)(e) stipulates that a person cannot be nominated for President if they have been convicted of any offense under any law at any time during the six years prior to their nomination.
Section 84(2) details 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 candidate receiving a majority of support from the Members of Parliament present will be appointed as President, and the Speaker will announce the name publicly.
A Special Parliamentary Sitting is set for October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s next Head of State.
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