Retired High Court Judge Justice Filimoni Jitoko is poised to assume the role of Speaker of Parliament as the position becomes available following President-Elect Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s transition to the presidency of Fiji.
A special parliamentary sitting has been scheduled for next Tuesday, where members of Parliament will convene at 8 a.m. to officially appoint the new Speaker. This decision arises from a unanimous agreement by the Business Committee during recent discussions.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has publicly stated his intention to nominate Justice Jitoko for the position, a move that has received Cabinet approval. Justice Jitoko brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as the chief justice of the Nauru Supreme Court and holding the Registrar position prior to that. He completed his legal education with a Bachelor of Law from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, after graduating from the University of the South Pacific.
According to the 2013 Constitution, the office of the Speaker is considered vacant upon the first parliamentary meeting following a general election or when the incumbent assumes another public office. The Constitution mandates that Parliament elects a Speaker who is both qualified to be a member and not currently serving as a member at the first sitting after a general election or whenever a vacancy arises.
This transition marks a significant step in Fiji’s political landscape, illustrating the ongoing evolution of its governance system. With a candidate like Justice Jitoko taking up the role of Speaker, there is hope for a new era of parliamentary leadership that prioritizes integrity and legal expertise.
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