Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has emphasized that the Office of President should be occupied by an individual of unquestionable integrity, one who is widely accepted across all communities and serves as a symbol of unity. Chaudhry, who leads the Fiji Labour Party, criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, stating that he does not meet these crucial criteria due to his controversial political past.
Chaudhry described Lalabalavu as a known ethno-nationalist who had close ties with the George Speight group and was involved in treasonous activities during the 2000 coup. He noted that Lalabalavu was convicted for taking part in an “unlawful assembly” at the Sukanaivalu Barracks, receiving an 8-month prison sentence on April 4, 2005. The Labasa Magistrate, Sunil Kumar, remarked that Lalabalavu had influenced rebel soldiers to commit criminal acts, highlighting a failure in his role as a high chief to provide adequate guidance.
Additionally, Chaudhry pointed out that Lalabalavu had previously aligned with the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, known for its extreme nationalist views. His parliamentary membership was suspended for two years in May 2015 after he was found guilty of making derogatory comments about then Speaker Jiko Luveni. Recently, he received backlash for allegedly making racist remarks against Opposition Member Aliki Bia, targeting the Melanesian community.
Chaudhry firmly stated that a person with such a record should not be considered for the presidency. He also criticized Prime Minister Rabuka for what he perceives as favoritism in appointing individuals from his home province of Cakaudrove to key positions. The PM’s handling of presidential nominations has sparked further questions, as it’s unclear whether Lalabalavu is representing the Coalition or the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), and other coalition parties like SODELPA and NFP have not clarified their stance on his nomination.
Chaudhry argued that Rabuka’s actions seem contradictory to his public declarations of promoting national unity, suggesting that it is odd for the Prime Minister to engage in parochial politics rather than fostering unity among the people. He asserted that this is not 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.