Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the constitutional provisions enabling Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are comparable to those that permit Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for the presidency under Section 83(1)(e). Rabuka announced that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has chosen to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who serves as the Honourable Speaker and Tui Cakau, for the position of Head of State, citing his qualifications as set out in the 2013 Constitution.
Rabuka highlighted that Ratu Naiqama is a paramount chief and a former Senior Cabinet Minister with a background that includes roles in i-Taukei Affairs, Lands, Mineral Resources, Transport, and Civil Aviation, along with previous leadership positions on the TLTB and i-Taukei Affairs Board. He noted Ratu Naiqama’s academic credentials, which include 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, and qualifications as a Land Valuer.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in Ratu Naiqama’s abilities as an experienced parliamentarian, having participated successfully in five general elections. His extensive 26-year career as a Land Valuer for the TLTB was dedicated to Native Affairs and Land Administration, with hands-on experience in estate management.
Rabuka emphasized Ratu Naiqama’s reputation as a fair and well-loved leader among people of various ethnicities in Cakaudrove, many of whom have leased land for generations. He mentioned that Ratu Naiqama, as the former Leader of the Opposition and current Speaker of Parliament, is well-equipped to lead the nation as President.
He praised Ratu Naiqama’s impartiality as Speaker, noting that both sides of Parliament have acknowledged his fairness and his ability to conduct lively debates focused on national interests. Rabuka expressed his belief that under Ratu Naiqama’s leadership as President, the nation could experience stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity.
Additionally, Rabuka questioned the motives behind a statement from Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, arguing that there were no concerns raised when Ratu Naiqama was appointed as Speaker in 2022. He referred to the constitutional provisions regarding eligibility for parliamentary candidacy and presidency, pointing out that Section 56(2)(g) specifies the conditions under which individuals can run for Parliament, while Section 83(1)(e) outlines the criteria for presidential nomination.
According to Section 84(2), when a vacancy occurs in the presidency, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must each nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who will then present both names to Parliament for a vote. The candidate receiving majority support from Parliament members will be appointed as President, with the Speaker making the announcement.
A Special Parliament Sitting is scheduled for October 31 to nominate and select Fiji’s next Head of State.
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