The Speaker of the House, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, addressed independent Member Jone Usamate regarding the representation of the 26 independent members in Standing Committees, clarifying that they cannot be regarded as a political party. This clarification came after Usamate raised a point of order in Parliament, asserting that the representation of the two Opposition blocs – bloc 16 and bloc 9 – in Standing Committees should align with their membership size, as stated in Standing Order 114(4).
Usamate emphasized that although they are not a political party but rather a bloc, the collective group of independent members is substantial. He pointed out that, among the 26 independents, the Group of 16 represents 61.5 percent of that total, arguing that their proportionate representation in Standing Committees should reflect this percentage.
In his response, Ratu Naiqama reiterated that the matter had been previously addressed. He reminded members that prior to their decision to remain independent, he had communicated with each of the 26 members regarding the implications of their status. He noted that all members chose to identify as Independents after deregistration and emphasized that, by law, they are not considered a political party. The Speaker assured Usamate that efforts have been made to facilitate their effective participation in Standing Committees despite their independent status.