Retired High Court Judge Justice Filimoni Jitoko is poised to become Fiji’s next Speaker of Parliament. This announcement comes as President-Elect Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu transitions into his new role as the country’s President, thus creating a vacancy in the Speaker’s office.
The Parliament’s Business Committee unanimously decided to arrange a special sitting for next Tuesday, during which parliamentary members will convene at 8 am to formally appoint the new Speaker. Justice Jitoko was nominated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who confirmed that this nomination has the full backing of the Cabinet.
Justice Jitoko has an extensive judicial background, having notably served as the chief justice of the Nauru Supreme Court from 2017 and as the Registrar from 2015 to 2017. He earned his law degree from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, after graduating from the University of the South Pacific in 1969.
According to the 2013 Constitution, the position of Speaker becomes vacant when a current holder assumes a new public office, as is the case with Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The Constitution stipulates that during its first sitting after a general election, Parliament is required to elect a Speaker who is not a member of Parliament but is suitable for candidacy.
This change in leadership reflects a continuation of Fiji’s democratic processes and ensures that the Parliament will have a capable and highly experienced individual leading its proceedings. Justice Jitoko’s extensive legal background suggests he will bring significant expertise to the role, potentially steering legislative processes toward constructive dialogue and effective governance. The upcoming session promises to establish a solid foundation for the Parliament’s operations under his anticipated leadership.
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