Edward Blakelock, the former secretary of the House of Representatives, has described the formation of two distinct blocs in the Opposition as “quite an unusual change.” His comments came in response to an announcement made by Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu regarding the Opposition’s decision to operate in two separate working groups.
Blakelock noted that the decisions made by members of the Opposition would likely differ between the two groups. He compared the situation to having two parties on the Government side, suggesting it is a unique scenario for the Opposition as well.
Despite the division into two blocs, Blakelock emphasized that they still function as one Opposition group since they are not part of the Government. He pointed out that members from both factions would ultimately be representing the same opposition to the Government, albeit potentially with differing opinions.
He mentioned that with two separate parties in the Opposition, each would have its own leadership. “If there are two different parties in the Opposition, they have their own party leaders,” he said, reflecting on the changing dynamics within the Opposition. Nonetheless, Blakelock concluded that despite the fragmentation, they remain united as the collective Opposition group, capable of supporting the Government on specific issues.