In Fiji, the suspended opposition MP Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu retains his seat in the Fijian Parliament despite his two year suspension.
Fiji government buildings Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
FBC news reports section 63 of the Constitution sets out the conditions under which a seat becomes vacant in Parliament.
These include death, resignation from Parliament and the Political Party, is absent from 2 consecutive Parliament sittings without permission from the Speaker and expulsion.
The Parliament Secretary General Viniana Namosimalua clarified, that a suspension does not necessarily mean a vacation of seat.
However, she confirms, Ratu Naiqama will not be paid during the two years.
Section 16 of the Parliamentary Remunerations Decree stipulates that if a member is suspended from Parliament, the member will not be paid any salary or benefit for the period of suspension.
