The inclusion of crossbenchers in Parliament does not pose a threat to the operations of the Coalition Government.
A former permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, Jioji Kotobalavu, clarified this, noting that in a parliamentary system, it is conventional for all members of the Opposition to vote together as a bloc in support of their political party.
Kotobalavu stated that since the former FijiFirst MPs no longer had any political party and are now independent MPs, their leader, Inia Seruiratu, has allowed them to vote as crossbenchers if they wish.
“This means that as crossbenchers, they are free to vote according to their conscience in support of Bills or motions tabled in Parliament by the People’s Coalition Government,” he said. “Other than that, they will continue to sit in the Opposition benches.”
The group of former FFP MPs led by Bulitavu has indicated their decision to operate as crossbenchers.
Kotobalavu suggested that these MPs have likely studied the electoral provisions of the 2013 Constitution and the results of past general elections for independent candidates.
He explained that the 2013 Constitution requires any independent candidate or political party to attain at least 5 percent of all valid votes cast to share in the distribution of seats in Parliament after an election.
“Accordingly, it is not surprising that the Bulitavu-led independents are holding exploratory discussions with People’s Alliance Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka. These discussions aim for a crossbench relationship, allowing the People’s Coalition Government to continue its operations undisturbed or uninterrupted.”