Ratu Naiqama is Speaker of Parliament

Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is the new Speaker of Parliament.

He received 28 votes which was only one vote short from his opposing nominee, Ratu Epeli Nailatika, who received 27.

Ratu Naiqama is Ratu Epeli's successor and has been in opposition for the last four years.

He was nominated by The People's Alliance- National Federation Party- Social Democratic Liberal Party coalition.

Ratu Naiqama was concerned about the low number of women that made it to Parliament however he thanked all the women that participated in the 2022 General Election.

From the 55 members of Parliament, six are women.

On a lighter note, he was impressed with the number of young people that made it to Parliament.

"I look forward to serve you in this role as Speaker and especially to work with you to ensure that Parliament is effective and relevant," he said.

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