Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has indicated that the constitutional provisions that enabled Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are akin to those that permit Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for President under Section 83(1)(e).
Rabuka stated that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has agreed to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Honourable Speaker and Tui Cakau, a prominent national leader who fulfills the criteria outlined in the 2013 Constitution to serve as Head of State.
He described Ratu Naiqama as a paramount chief and former Senior Cabinet Minister, having held portfolios for i-Taukei Affairs, Lands, Mineral Resources, and Transport and Civil Aviation, as well as serving as former chair of 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, and holds initial qualifications as a Land Valuer,” Rabuka noted.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Ratu Naiqama is an experienced parliamentarian, having actively engaged in five general elections.
“With 26 years dedicated to land administration and native affairs as a Land Estate Manager at TLTB, he has significant practical expertise in land valuation and estate management. As a paramount chief, he is recognized as fair and well-respected among his diverse community, including many who have leased land for generations and are integral to Cakaudrove’s social fabric,” Rabuka stated.
“Ratu Naiqama is a former Leader of the Opposition and is currently the Speaker of Parliament, making him well-suited to lead the country as Head of State.”
Rabuka emphasized the consensus within the Parliament that Ratu Naiqama has demonstrated fairness and impartiality in his rulings, leveraging his extensive experience as a national leader and paramount chief to foster engaging debates focused on national interests.
He expressed confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency will usher in a period characterized by national stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity.
Rabuka also raised concerns regarding the intent behind comments made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party.
“When Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was appointed as Speaker in 2022, he was acknowledged as a senior national leader, and there were no objections raised at that time.”
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, an individual may stand for election to Parliament only if they have not been convicted of any crime with a maximum penalty of 12 months or more within the eight years leading up to the nomination. Section 83(1)(e) states that individuals are not qualified to be nominated for President if they have been convicted of any offense in the six years preceding their nomination.
Section 84(2) establishes the protocol for filling a presidential vacancy, requiring the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to each nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who will present both candidates to Parliament for a vote. The candidate receiving a majority of support from the members present will be appointed President.
A Special Parliament Sitting is scheduled for October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s next Head of State.
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