Members of the Opposition were absent from the welcoming ceremony for Indian President Droupadi Murmu due to not receiving an invitation. Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, who speaks for the Group of 16 bloc, stated that there was no intention to boycott the event, but expressed disappointment over the lack of an official invite from the Government.
In Parliament, Mr. Seruiratu noted that similar situations occurred during three other state visits, including those of leaders from Australia and New Zealand. He called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to address this issue, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s role in the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka expressed regret over the absence of the Opposition at the ceremony, asserting that the Government does not seek to exclude anyone and pledging to improve the situation moving forward.
The Opposition responded by highlighting that the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) had previously boycotted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Parliament in 2014. Mr. Gavoka clarified that their protest was against the authoritarian style of the FijiFirst party, not against Prime Minister Modi himself. He explained that prior arrangements had included SODELPA’s leader being assigned to give a vote of thanks, but this was revoked two days before the event. He reiterated that their actions were a protest against the manner in which the situation was handled, not a reflection of their feelings towards PM Modi, whom they respect.