Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has emphasized that the Office of President should be occupied by someone with unquestionable integrity, who is widely accepted across various communities and viewed as a symbol of unity. He asserts that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, does not meet these essential criteria due to a questionable political past.
Chaudhry described Lalabalavu as a known ethno-nationalist who has previously collaborated with the George Speight group and engaged in activities that were deemed treasonable during the events of 2000. He highlighted that Lalabalavu was convicted for taking part in an “unlawful assembly” at Sukanaivalu Barracks amid the 2000 coup and was sentenced to eight months in prison on April 4, 2005. The Labasa Magistrate, Sunil Kumar, noted that Lalabalavu had influenced rebel soldiers to act criminally, which was contradictory to his responsibilities as a high chief.
Lalabalavu subsequently became a member of the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, recognized for its ultra-nationalist viewpoints. In May 2015, while serving as a Parliamentarian, his membership was suspended for two years after he was found guilty of making inappropriate remarks about the then Speaker, Jiko Luveni. He has also faced backlash recently for making ‘racist’ comments directed at Opposition Member Aliki Bia, particularly regarding the Melanesian community.
Chaudhry argued that an individual with such a track record should not be considered for the presidency. He criticized Prime Minister Rabuka for perceived bias in appointing individuals from his own region of Cakaudrove to significant positions.
Chaudhry also raised concerns regarding the clarity of Rabuka’s nomination process for the presidency, pointing out that he initially proposed Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci as the nominee and is now nominating Ratu Naiqama. The positions of the SODELPA and NFP parties on this nomination remain unclear.
Chaudhry stated that for someone advocating national unity, it appears contradictory for the Prime Minister to engage in parochial politics instead of fostering national cohesion. He concluded that this approach does not represent a positive direction for Fiji.
The appointment of Fiji’s next President is set to take place during a Special Parliament Sitting on October 31.
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