Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed allegations that he is attempting to stifle dissent within the Coalition Government and among members of his political party who may be looking to undermine his leadership. In an interview with FijiLive, he addressed the recent implementation of a new voting method in Parliament, where Members of Parliament (MPs) are required to stand and publicly announce their votes, a practice both relevant and adopted in parliamentary systems worldwide.
This innovative approach was employed for the first time during the public roll-call vote on the President’s nomination and appointment, as well as during the election of the new Speaker. Reports suggest that the Prime Minister is facing challenges within the Coalition, notably from factions within the People’s Alliance party, following a narrow victory where Rabuka secured 28 votes as opposed to former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s 27 votes during a leadership vote.
Despite the turmoil, Rabuka expressed a commitment to see matters resolved, although he reiterated that he was not aware of any specific attempts to destabilize his position. He emphasized that the changes were made to align with existing Standing Orders and were developed in collaboration with a legal team from the United Nations Development Programme, which has been aiding in the refinement of parliamentary procedures.
This new voting format could be viewed as an effort to enhance accountability and transparency within the legislative process. It could also foster a more participative atmosphere in Parliament, reflecting a progressive step toward reinforcing democratic principles.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it’s hopeful that such reforms will ultimately lead to a more unified approach among the Coalition members, benefitting governance in Fiji.
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