Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the constitutional provisions enabling Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are akin to those that permit Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s nomination for the presidency under Section 83(1)(e).
Rabuka has confirmed that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Honourable Speaker and Tui Cakau, as the candidate for Head of State, affirming that he meets the eligibility criteria set forth in the 2013 Constitution.
He described Ratu Naiqama as a paramount Chief and a former Senior Cabinet Minister with experience in various key ministerial roles, including i-Taukei Affairs and Lands, Mineral Resources, and Transport. Additionally, Ratu Naiqama has served as the chair of the TLTB and the i-Taukei Affairs Board.
Rabuka highlighted Ratu Naiqama’s educational background, mentioning his Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts, a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development planning from a Development Study Centre in Israel, and his initial qualification as a Land Valuer.
The Prime Minister noted that Ratu Naiqama is a seasoned parliamentarian, having participated in five general elections. He praised his extensive 26-year career as a Land Valuer dedicated to Native Affairs and Land Administration, highlighting his proficiency in land administration, estate management, and valuation.
Rabuka characterized Ratu Naiqama as a fair and respected leader among diverse ethnic groups, many of whom have leased land in Cakaudrove for generations. He asserted that Ratu Naiqama, as a former Leader of the Opposition and current Speaker of Parliament, is well-equipped to lead the nation as its Head of State.
“As Speaker, he has been impartial in his decisions, fostering a vigorous debate reflective of Fiji’s national interests,” Rabuka stated, expressing confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency would bring about national stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity.
The Prime Minister also questioned the motives behind comments made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, emphasizing that no such concerns were raised when Ratu Naiqama was appointed Speaker in 2022.
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, a person may stand for parliamentary election only if they have not been convicted of an offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more in the eight years preceding their nomination. Similarly, Section 83(1)(e) states that a nominee for the presidency must not have been convicted of any offense within the six years leading up to their nomination.
Section 84(2) outlines the process for appointing the President, which involves nominations from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, followed by a parliamentary vote to select the candidate with majority support.
A special parliamentary session is set for October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s next Head of State.
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