Former House of Representatives Secretary Edward Blakelock has described the establishment of two blocs within the Opposition as “quite an unusual change.” He responded to Parliament Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s recent announcement that the Opposition would function through two working groups. Blakelock noted that this structure would likely lead to differing decisions among members of the two blocs.
“It’s similar to the Government side having two parties, and now the Opposition finds itself in a similar situation,” he said. Blakelock pointed out that while the two factions may have distinct viewpoints, they ultimately belong to one Opposition group, which is defined as those not part of the Government.
He emphasized that the two blocs would each have their own leadership. “When there are two different parties in the Opposition, it’s natural for them to have their own party leaders,” he stated.
Blakelock acknowledged the shift in dynamics, suggesting that while they are operating in a new context, the essence remains that they are a single Opposition entity. He recognized that despite potential differences in support for the Government on various issues, they still form one cohesive Opposition group.