Gavoka says party executives will look at the best way to proceed in the Bulitavu situation

SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka says they are looking at their options about the situation with SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu after the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau ruled that Bulitavu's seat as a Member of Parliament cannot be deemed vacant. After Bulitavu supported Bill No 17 and the 2021-2022 National Budget, Gavoka wrote to Ratu Epeli for Bulitavu's seat to be deemed vacant.

Gavoka alleged that Bulitavu failed to follow the party directive. In his response to Gavoka yesterday, Ratu Epeli stated that since he is unable to determine how Bulitavu voted on the 2021-2022 Budget and Bill No. 17, his seat as a Member of Parliament cannot be deemed vacant.

This is because all votes in parliament are currently done through acclamation or overwhelming vocal approval as members are joining virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Ratu Epeli says SODELPA is at liberty to file proceedings against Bulitavu in the Court of Disputed Returns to adjudicate whether Bulitavu's seat in parliament is vacant.

SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka says he received the letter from Ratu Epeli late yesterday and they will need to deliberate on it this weekend.

He says the party executives and legal advisers will sit down and look at the best way to proceed.