Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has emphasized the importance of appointing a President with unquestionable integrity, someone who can garner acceptance from all communities and serve as a unifying figure. Chaudhry criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nomination of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, questioning his suitability based on a problematic political history.
Chaudhry pointed out that Ratu Naiqama is known for his ethno-nationalist views and had affiliations with the George Speight group during the treasonous events of 2000. Additionally, he was convicted for taking part in an “unlawful assembly” at the Sukanaivalu Barracks amid the 2000 coup, resulting in an eight-month prison sentence. Labasa Magistrate Sunil Kumar noted that Ratu Naiqama had a hand in encouraging rebel soldiers to act unlawfully, despite his responsibilities as a high chief to provide guidance.
Ratu Naiqama also joined the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, known for its extreme nationalist stance, and faced a two-year suspension from Parliament in May 2015 for making inappropriate remarks directed at the then Speaker, Jiko Luveni. More recently, he was criticized for his allegedly racist comments against Opposition Member Aliki Bia, targeting the Melanesian community.
Chaudhry declared that an individual with such a background should not be considered for the presidency. He also accused Prime Minister Rabuka of showing favoritism by appointing candidates from his home province of Cakaudrove to positions of power. The Prime Minister has faced scrutiny for his handling of presidential nominations, first proposing Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci before switching to nominate Ratu Naiqama.
It remains unclear whether Ratu Naiqama is the nominee for the Coalition or the People’s Alliance Party, as SODELPA and NFP have not clarified their stance on his nomination. Chaudhry concluded by stating that it is contradictory for a leader who speaks of national unity to engage in divisive politics, asserting this approach does not represent a progressive path for Fiji.
The appointment of Fiji’s next President is set to take place during a Special Parliament Sitting on October 31.