Opposition splits in 2 - One led by Seruiratu, the other will be led by Naivalurua

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu confirms that all 26 members of the former FijiFirst Party remain Opposition members operating under two working groups or blocs.

Ratu Naiqama says his office has received from the 25 Members of the Opposition that they are now independent.

He says one MP is awaiting the outcome of the appeal lodged with the Fijian Electoral Commission, and he still has to notify him of his decision whilst awaiting the appeal he has lodged.

The Speaker adds that he can also confirm that pursuant to Parliamentary Standing Orders 4, Clause 2, that there are two working groups or blocs in the Opposition.

Ratu Naiqama says one group will be known as Group of 16 Bloc and is being led by the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu.

He says this group of 16 MPs and their Whip will be Jone Usamate, while Ketan Lal will be the Deputy Whip.

He adds that the other Group of 9 Bloc is being led by Ioane Naivalurua, their Whip is Viliame Naupoto and their Deputy Whip is Alipate Tuicolo.

The Speaker says in light of the two working groups or blocs and pursuant to Standing Orders 114, Clause 4 and Standing Orders 115, Clause 1, his Office will undertake a review of the membership of the six Standing Committees and the four Select Committees to ensure fair representation of the two working groups or blocs and further announcements will be made later this week.

Ratu Naiqama says whilst they appreciate that we are now being faced with the unprecedented situations pertaining to the deregistration of a political party and members continuing on as Independents, he pleads with the Members of Parliament that they must continue to engage in constructive dialogue as they have done previously.

He says they will continue in that dialogue so as to ensure and uphold the best interests of the people who have elected them.