Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed allegations that he is attempting to suppress dissent within the Coalition Government, as well as from members of his own political party who may be challenging his leadership. In an interview with FijiLive, Rabuka discussed the recently implemented voting procedure in Parliament where Members of Parliament (MPs) stand to publicly declare their votes on motions. He emphasized that this method aligns with parliamentary practices observed worldwide.
In a historic move, MPs were required to roll-call and openly express their support for the nomination and appointment of the President, as well as during the election of the new Speaker. The context for these developments arises from Rabuka’s narrow victory of 28 votes over former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who received 27 votes for the leadership position in Parliament, indicating an apparent tension within party factions.
Rabuka has stated that he is unaware of any efforts to undermine his authority and highlighted that the new voting procedure adheres to established Standing Orders. He noted that the changes were proposed by a legal team from the United Nations Development Programme, which aims to enhance parliamentary procedures and rules in collaboration with the Parliament’s House Committee.
This new approach to voting can be seen as a step towards fostering transparency and accountability within Fiji’s parliamentary system, potentially strengthening the democratic process. As the Prime Minister navigates these challenges, it reflects an opportunity for political unity and an enhanced understanding of parliamentary procedures among lawmakers.
In summary, Prime Minister Rabuka seeks to assure stability in his leadership while instituting new voting practices that encourage public accountability among MPs, thus promoting a more transparent governance framework in Fiji.
Leave a comment