Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has pointed out that the constitutional provisions enabling Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are akin to the clauses that permit Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for the presidency under Section 83(1)(e).
Rabuka announced that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Speaker of Parliament and Tui Cakau, who fulfills the qualifications outlined in the 2013 Constitution to serve as Head of State.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Ratu Naiqama is a paramount chief and former senior cabinet minister, having held key portfolios including i-Taukei Affairs, Lands, Mineral Resources, Transport, and Civil Aviation. Additionally, he has served as the chair of the Land Trust Board and the i-Taukei Affairs Board.
“Ratu Naiqama possesses a Master’s degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts, along with a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development Planning from an institute in Israel, in addition to his original qualification as a Land Valuer,” Rabuka stated.
The Tui Cakau is recognized as an adept parliamentarian, having successfully engaged in five general elections. “His extensive 26-year career as a Land Valuer with the Land Trust Board has been dedicated to Native Affairs and Land Administration, providing him with significant practical experience in land management and valuation,” the Prime Minister stated.
“Being a paramount chief, he is fair and well-regarded by people of all ethnic backgrounds, many of whom have leased land for generations and are woven into the community of Cakaudrove.”
Rabuka further noted that Ratu Naiqama, who is also the former Leader of the Opposition, is well-suited to guide the nation as Head of State. “As Speaker, both parties agree that he has been consistently fair and impartial in his rulings, leveraging his extensive experience as a national leader and paramount chief to ensure productive debate, always with the nation and the people of Fiji in mind.”
Rabuka expressed confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s tenure as President would usher in a period of national stability, social harmony, unity, and prosperity.
Rabuka also raised concerns about the motivations behind recent statements made by the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry. “When Ratu Naiqama was appointed as Speaker in 2022, there were no objections raised at that time.”
According to Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution, a candidate for the Parliament must not have been convicted of any offense, punishable with a maximum imprisonment term of 12 months or more, in the eight years leading up to their nomination. Meanwhile, Section 83(1)(e) stipulates that a person is not eligible to be nominated for the presidency if they have been convicted of any offense under any law in the six years prior to their nomination.
Section 84(2) outlines that when a vacancy occurs in the presidency, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition will each nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who will then present both names to Parliament for members to vote on. The individual receiving the majority support from present members will be appointed as President, and the Speaker will make a public announcement of the appointment.
A special parliamentary session is set to take place on October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s new Head of State.
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