Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two factions in the Opposition, highlighting that they entered Parliament as members of the same party. He noted that following the deregistration of FijiFirst, a by-election could have occurred, but that will not happen.
Lalabalavu stated that he had previously written to all 26 members, asking them to consider their status once the Supervisor of Elections acted on the deregistration. He questioned whether they preferred to be independent or to join other political parties. Some responded that they chose to continue as independents during parliamentary debates.
Being independent means they are not part of a political party, he explained, yet they initially joined under the party system. He urged them to maintain their unity, as shown during the business committee meetings where they shared questions.
He characterized the division of Members of Parliament into two groups as a democratic process, enabling them to work together despite their origins in a single party. He expressed relief that a by-election for all 26 seats is not on the horizon and encouraged the members to continue cooperating as independents within their respective groups.