There is a noticeable disagreement among the three parties making up the current Peoples Coalition Government regarding the appointment of the President of Fiji. President His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is nearing the conclusion of his first three-year term, raising the question of whether he should be reappointed for a subsequent term or if a new appointment should take place.
Past Presidents Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote both served two complete three-year terms.
According to Section 83-(1) of the 2013 Constitution, the criteria for becoming President include having a distinguished career in either the public or private sectors within Fiji, holding only Fijian citizenship, not being a member of any political party or holding any political office, not being a candidate for any other state position, and not having any criminal convictions within the past six years.
It is important to recognize that the position of President is open to all qualified Fijian citizens, regardless of gender, and a precedent has been established allowing previous Presidents to serve two full terms.
To resolve the issues surrounding this appointment, it is suggested that Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Inia Seruiratu come together for a consultation, known as a talanoa, to discuss and agree on the foundational principles for applying the selection criteria as outlined in the Constitution. They could also benefit from discussions with the chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs.
Recommendations for moving forward include adhering to the precedent of allowing a President to serve two full terms, ensuring that new appointments are made on the basis of merit and open to all qualified citizens, and reserving the rotation of iTaukei Confederacies’ Heads for the Chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs based on iTaukei customs and traditions.
JIOJI KOTOBALAVU, a former long-serving Permanent Secretary in the Civil Service, shares these personal views, which do not reflect the stance of the newspaper.