Fiji has Two Sets of Opposition

Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu yesterday confirmed that there would be two sets of Oppositions in Parliament.

The two are from the 25 Independent Members of Parliament who were once FijiFirst Opposition MPs.

In Parliament yesterday, Ratu Naiqama said one working group, consisting of 16 members, would be led by the Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, while the other group of nine members would be led by Ioane Naivalurua.

One member is awaiting the appeal of the FijiFirst party deregistration.

“My office has received communication from the 25 members of the Opposition that they are now Independents,” Ratu Naiqama said.

“Some of them wrote to me and some of them declared during the participation of debates informing the house that they stand here as Independents,” he said.

“One member is awaiting the appeal with the Electoral Commission. He still has to notify me with his decision as he awaits the appeal he has lodged. I can also confirm that in pursuant to Standing Orders 4, Clause 2, there are two working groups or blocs in Opposition.”

The group led by the Leader of Opposition has Jone Usamate as their whip and Ketan Lal as the deputy whip.

“The other group of nine bloc is led by Ioane Naivalurua and their whip is Viliame Naupoto and deputy whip is Alipate Tuicolo.

“As far as the 26 honourable members are concerned, all 26 of them remain Opposition operating under two working groups.”

He said in light of the two working groups, pursuant to Standing Order 114 clause 4 and Standing Order 115 clause 1, the Office of the Speaker to Parliament would undertake a review of the membership of the six standing committees and four select committees to ensure fair representation of the two working groups.

Ratu Naiqama said further announcement would be made later in the week.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj