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Majority of the opposition MPs have to inform the Speaker that they want another Opposition Leader for a vote to be taken

Majority of the opposition MPs have to inform the Speaker that they want another Opposition Leader for a vote to be taken

By Vijay Narayan
14/12/2020
Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. [Image: Parliament of Fiji]

Majority of the opposition members have to inform the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau if they want a change in the Leader of Opposition and want another vote to be taken.

Although SODELPA President, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau has written to the Speaker wanting another election for the Opposition Leader to be done, the constitution is clear that if a majority of the members consider that the person who is the Leader of the Opposition should no longer hold the position of the Leader of the Opposition, then they shall inform the Speaker of their decision and they may elect another member of Parliament.

Ratu Epenisa had asked the SODELPA MPs to vote for Party Leader, Viliame Gavoka to be the Opposition Leader.

However 14 MPs voted for Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be the Opposition Leader while only 5 MPs voted for Gavoka.

Following this, the SODELPA President wants another election to be held however he needs majority of the SODELPA MPs to agree.

Speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has only said that a letter has been received from Ratu Epenisa. No further comments have been made.

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama had said that this is the first time in the Westminster System where the Party Leader is not the Parliamentary Leader or the Opposition Leader.

When asked on this issue, Gavoka said the matter is between the SODELPA President and the Speaker. He says he can only say that the FijiFirst is threatened by SODELPA.

Opposition Leader, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu also says he will not comment as the issue has not been brought up by the SODELPA MPs.



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