The Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, has stated that allowing the public to elect their President would necessitate amendments to the 2013 Constitution. Currently, the decision regarding such changes lies with the Members of Parliament. Attorney-General Graham Leung noted that the matter of amending the Constitution will be addressed by the Cabinet in the near future.
According to Rabuka, the existing Constitution stipulates that the President is elected by members of Parliament, who are themselves elected by the citizens. If the Constitution is altered to permit direct elections, this provision will be implemented. At present, it is Parliament that is responsible for electing the President.
As outlined in the Constitution, Parliament appoints the President according to Section 84. Specifically, Section 84(2) dictates that when a vacancy arises in the presidency, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must each nominate a candidate to the Speaker, who will then present both names to Parliament for a vote. Section 84(3) describes that the individual who secures the majority support from the attending members of Parliament will be declared the new President.
Parliament is scheduled to convene on October 31 to vote on Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has not yet publicly announced his nominee for the presidency.
Attorney-General Leung reiterated that discussions surrounding the amendment of the Constitution would take place in the Cabinet soon, emphasizing that the Prime Minister is leading this initiative. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, highlighting the necessity for careful and considered discussions before any decisions are made.
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