Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry have engaged in a heated debate regarding the nomination of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for President. Chaudhry criticized Ratu Naiqama’s past actions, arguing that they disqualify him from the prestigious role of Fiji’s Head of State.
Rebutting these claims, Rabuka asserted that the nomination was in compliance with the 2013 Constitution, questioning why an individual should be condemned indefinitely for past mistakes.
Chaudhry insisted that Ratu Naiqama fails to meet the essential criteria for the presidency, citing his troubled political history. He emphasized the importance of the President possessing unquestionable integrity and being widely accepted across different communities as a symbol of unity. Chaudhry described Ratu Naiqama as a known ethno-nationalist, alleging his close ties with the George Speight group during the 2000 coup and noting that he was convicted for his involvement in an unlawful assembly at the time.
Additionally, Chaudhry pointed out that Ratu Naiqama faced a two-year suspension from parliament in 2015 for making derogatory remarks about then-Speaker Jiko Luveni and recently received backlash for allegedly racist comments directed at Opposition Member Aliki Bia, specifically criticizing the Melanesian community.
In defense, Rabuka contended that Ratu Naiqama’s qualifications align with constitutional provisions, similar to those that permitted Chaudhry to run for election despite his past convictions. The 2013 Constitution stipulates that a candidate must not have been convicted of any offense punishable by 12 months or more within eight years prior to nomination for parliament, and similarly, a presidential candidate must not have any convictions within six years prior to their nomination.
Rabuka reiterated his belief that individuals should not be permanently condemned for their past, arguing that as former Leader of Opposition and current Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama is well qualified to assume the role of Head of State. Ratu Naiqama holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Integrated Rural and Regional Development Planning from institutions in Israel and Cameroon.
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