Sainiana Radrodro, a member of the Social Democratic Liberal Party and a lawyer based in Suva, has declined an offer from the Leader of the Opposition to be nominated as the Speaker of Parliament. She expressed her belief that an ideal candidate for this position should be independent, uphold the rule of law, and be a political leader who garners public trust.
In an interview, Radrodro clarified that accepting the nomination could create a conflict of interest since she is married to a Government MP who leads a political party closely aligned with them. She emphasized the importance of public trust in Fiji’s governance system and maintained that her acceptance would undermine that trust.
Radrodro expressed disappointment that her potential candidacy was leaked to the media, noting that it was not information she wished to publicize. She acknowledged that the Opposition considered her extensive public sector experience and leadership in women’s forums, as well as her legal profession, when proposing her name. However, she asserted that she would have declined any nomination, whether from the Opposition or the Government, emphasizing her commitment to the integrity of the Speaker’s Office.
Her name was mentioned along with others, including former SODELPA MP Mikaele Leawere and former Deputy Speaker Ruveni Nadalo. Following this, the Opposition confirmed their intention to nominate Ruveni Nadalo as the new Speaker.
This decision can be seen as a positive step toward ensuring the Speaker is a neutral and respected figure, reinforcing the hope for transparency and integrity in governance. Radrodro’s commitment to public trust reflects a growing demand for accountability in political roles, which is encouraging for citizens seeking a more equitable political landscape.
Leave a comment