Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the constitutional provisions permitting Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are similar to those allowing 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 decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Speaker of Parliament and Tui Cakau, for the role of Head of State. He emphasized that Ratu Naiqama is a paramount Chief and a former Senior Cabinet Minister who has held key ministerial positions in i-Taukei Affairs, Lands, Mineral Resources, Transport, and Civil Aviation. Ratu Naiqama has also served as chair of the TLTB and the i-Taukei Affairs Board.
The Prime Minister noted that Ratu Naiqama has a Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts, along with a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development Planning from the Development Study Centre in Israel. He also holds initial qualifications as a Land Valuer. Rabuka highlighted that Ratu Naiqama is a seasoned parliamentarian with a successful track record across five general elections.
“Ratu Naiqama has dedicated 26 years as a Land Valuer in the TLTB, focusing on Native Affairs and Land Administration as a Land Estate Manager, bringing substantial expertise in land administration and estate management,” Rabuka added.
Rabuka described Ratu Naiqama as a fair and beloved leader among all ethnic groups, especially those who have leased land for generations and are integral to the community of Cakaudrove. He believes that Ratu Naiqama, as the former Leader of the Opposition and current Speaker of Parliament, is well-equipped to lead the nation as Head of State.
The Prime Minister praised Ratu Naiqama’s impartiality in his role as Speaker, stating that both parties in the House acknowledge his fair and unbiased judgments. Rabuka expressed confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency will usher in an era of national stability, social cohesion, and prosperity.
Furthermore, Rabuka raised concerns about the motivations behind comments made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party. He pointed out that when Ratu Naiqama was appointed Speaker in 2022, no objections were voiced at that time.
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, a potential candidate for Parliament must not have been convicted of any offense resulting in a potential imprisonment of 12 months or more in the eight years preceding their nomination. Similarly, Section 83(1)(e) states that a person cannot be nominated for President if they have been convicted of any offense in the six years prior to their nomination.
When a vacancy for the presidency arises, Section 84(2) outlines that the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition will each nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who will then present both names for a parliamentary vote. The candidate receiving the majority support will be appointed as President, with the Speaker publicly announcing the decision.
A Special Parliament Sitting is scheduled for October 31 to confirm Fiji’s next Head of State.
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