Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has highlighted that the constitutional provisions allowing Mahendra Chaudhry to run for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are comparable to those permitting Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for President under Section 83(1)(e).
Rabuka announced that the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance Party has decided to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Honourable Speaker and Tui Cakau, for the presidency, asserting that he meets the criteria outlined in the 2013 Constitution for the Head of State.
The Prime Minister described Ratu Naiqama as a prominent chief and a former Senior Cabinet Minister who has held various portfolios, including i-Taukei Affairs, Lands, Mineral Resources, and Transport and Civil Aviation, as well as serving as the chair of the TLTB and i-Taukei Affairs Board.
Ratu Naiqama holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from Clark University in Massachusetts, along with a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Rural/Regional Development planning from a Development Study Centre in Israel, and initial qualifications as a Land Valuer.
Rabuka noted Ratu Naiqama’s extensive parliamentary experience, having participated in five general elections. He praised his 26-year career with the TLTB, emphasizing his dedication to Native Affairs and Land Administration while serving as a Land Estate Manager, which provided him with extensive practical experience in land-related matters.
As a paramount chief, Ratu Naiqama is regarded as fair and well-liked by people from all ethnic backgrounds in his region, many of whom have leased land for generations and integrated into the community fabric of Cakaudrove.
Rabuka asserted that Ratu Naiqama, as a former Leader of the Opposition and the current Speaker of Parliament, is well-prepared to lead the nation as Head of State.
He expressed confidence that Ratu Naiqama’s presidency would usher in a period characterized by national stability, social cohesion, unity, and prosperity.
Rabuka also questioned remarks made by Mahendra Chaudhry, the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, stating that similar concerns were not voiced when Ratu Naiqama was appointed as Speaker in 2022.
The 2013 Constitution’s Section 56(2)(g) stipulates eligibility to stand for Parliament, indicating that candidates must not have been convicted of serious offences within the preceding eight years. Meanwhile, Section 83(1)(e) outlines qualifications for presidential nomination, which include not having any criminal convictions in the past six years.
Additionally, Section 84(2) notes that when a vacancy for the Presidency arises, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must each nominate a candidate name to the Speaker, who will then present both for a parliamentary vote. The individual receiving the majority support will be appointed as President, with the Speaker formally announcing the decision.
A Special Parliament Sitting is set for October 31 to nominate and appoint Fiji’s new Head of State.
Leave a comment