Independent Opposition Members of Parliament, Sachida Nand and Shalen Kumar, have officially joined Bloc 9, led by Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua. This announcement was made to the Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko, during today’s session.
This week, both Nand and Kumar voted in support of the Constitution Amendment Bill. However, the bill was defeated as it did not achieve the necessary 75 percent approval. Their incorporation into Bloc 9 increases its membership from nine to eleven, now referred to as the Bloc of 11 or G11.
This shift occurs amid significant changes in the parliamentary structure, with the Speaker disclosing that the 26 members of the Opposition have been reorganized into two separate working groups. The larger faction is called the 16-bloc and is led by Inia Seruiratu, while the smaller Bloc 9 previously held the official Opposition position under Naivalurua.
The formation of the G11 highlights a trend of realignment among parliamentary groupings in response to ongoing political developments. The impact of this change on future legislative processes and the dynamics of parliamentary debates will be important to monitor. The Speaker has stressed the need for fair representation in the various committees overseeing parliamentary activities.
Nand and Kumar’s decision to join the G11 opens up new prospects for engagement in parliamentary discussions. There is an optimistic outlook that these developments may enhance collaboration and foster constructive dialogue among MPs, ultimately serving the interests of the constituents they represent.
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