At least half of the 17 FijiFirst party Members of Parliament will continue as independent MPs, according to recent disclosures.
Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu revealed his intention to remain an independent MP following the deregistration of the FijiFirst party on Monday. Bulitavu also expressed significant interest in supporting key government initiatives.
“I can confirm that about eight to ten of us will remain independent to advance the country in areas such as passing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and reviewing the 2013 Constitution,” Bulitavu stated.
He emphasized that he would not join any political party. “I will not join the Prime Minister’s political party or any other party because the rules and constitution are not clear.”
Bulitavu explained that the drafters of the 2013 Constitution did not anticipate a scenario involving independent MPs and how they would cooperate with the government.
“The Speaker asked us last month to inform him individually about our status—whether we would join any party or remain independent,” he said. “We will submit our response today (Wednesday).”
He mentioned that he had discussed his views with other MPs, seeing this as an opportunity for national unity under the government. “We need to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a way for our leader, Voreqe Bainimarama, who is serving his prison sentence, to seek forgiveness and spend time with his family,” Bulitavu stressed. “Secondly, we need to address the loopholes in the 2013 Constitution.”
Bulitavu revealed that the party was given ample time to respond to the Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, but lacked the authority to amend the Constitution as all the founders had resigned. “The office bearers, who were the founding members, were active when we received the letter from the Supervisor of Elections, but they chose to resign,” he said. “We sought legal advice on how we could salvage the party, but we did not have the authority to do so.”
Some businessmen had offered to help clear the party’s debt, but their assistance was declined. “When businessmen get involved in the party, they want to influence the board and make decisions for their own benefit, which was the culture in the past where they determined the direction,” he noted. “We do not want this to happen at the expense of our voters’ interests in advancing the country.”
Bulitavu added that they would seek further legal opinions today and asked FijiFirst voters for their continued support.