Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu emphasized the need for collaboration between the two factions in the Opposition, highlighting that they all entered Parliament as members of the same party. He noted that with the deregistration of FijiFirst, the potential for a by-election was on the horizon, but that will not occur.
Lalabalavu mentioned that prior to these developments, he had communicated with each of the 26 members, urging them to contemplate their status should the Supervisor of Elections enforce the deregistration. He posed the question of whether they would prefer to remain independent or align with other political parties. Some members responded, asserting during House debates that they opted to be independents.
He clarified that while operating as independents, they are not a recognized political party, as they originally came in through the party system but are now classified as independents by law. He pointed out that they had previously agreed to collaborate during the business committee meetings by sharing questions, which he advocated as a positive approach moving forward.
Lalabalavu acknowledged that the emergence of two distinct groups among MPs reflects a democratic process, allowing them to work in factions, despite their shared origins. He remarked that if the situation had played out differently, it might have led to a by-election for all 26 seats, which is avoided under the current circumstances. He expressed hope that the members would continue to cooperate as they function as independents within their respective working groups.