The National Federation Party says parliamentary democracy has been reduced to a facade by the alleged actions of the Speaker, the Secretariat and the Tables Office of Parliament, however the Speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says the allegations by the NFP are groundless.
NFP General Secretary Seini Nabou says the rejection of their party motions and questions submitted to the Secretariat and Tables Office proves that parliament under the authority and leadership of the Speaker, is doing the bidding for the government by preventing debate on the floor of parliament on important issues.
Nabou says if NFP tries to raise matters on the people's behalf, the Speaker, Secretariat and Tables Office scuttle it before it even reaches the Business Committee for discussion.
She says it happened yet again today when a motion by the NFP Leader was rejected by the Business Committee because the government opposed it.
Nabou says at least two questions were also ruled out simply because the government opposed them.
She says two motions were also not allowed.
Nabou adds they were on the establishment of special standing committees to firstly inquire into mismanagement, wastage and pilferage of taxpayers’ funds as highlighted by Reports of the Auditor General until 2019, and secondly to inquire into the operations and management of municipal councils as well as effectiveness of service delivery to ratepayers.
She says one of them sought information from the Local Government Minister as to why women are being asked to sell seafood outside the public convenience at Nausori Market.
Speaking to fijivillage this afternoon, Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says the Parliamentary Standing Orders are very clear and you cannot get your own way because the Standing Orders do not allow it.
He says parties can get around the Standing Orders but they have to negotiate, not with him, but with the other side of the House.
Ratu Epeli says that is how it is done in any other Parliament.
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