Gavoka files application for Bulitavu's seat in Parliament to be deemed vacant

SODELPA Parliament Feature

Gavoka files application for Bulitavu's seat in Parliament to be deemed vacant

By Shanil Singh

31/08/2021

SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu. [image: Parliament of Fiji]

The court hearing in the case of SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu will take place next Monday.

SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka has filed an application in the Court of Disputed Returns that Bulitavu's seat in Parliament be deemed vacant after he went against the party’s directives.

Bulitavu had supported the 2021/2022 National Budget and the Bill to Amend the iTaukei Land Trust Act in Parliament.

SODELPA had also written to the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau earlier this month that Bulitavu's seat in Parliament be deemed vacant.

However Ratu Epeli Nailatikau told Parliament that he is unable to determine how Bulitavu voted on the 2021/2022 National Budget and Bill No. 17 and his seat as a Member of Parliament cannot be deemed vacant and Bulitavu remains a parliamentarian.

SODELPA lawyer Romanu Vananalagi will file his submissions on Friday.

Solicitor General Sharvada Sharma is representing the Speaker and the Attorney General.

Bulitavu is represented by Labasa lawyer, Sushil Sharma.