19 Feb 2020

Fiji's Opposition continues Parliament boycott

1:39 pm on 19 February 2020

Fiji's Parliament resumed today without the Opposition who walked out yesterday after three of their petitions were dismissed by the Speaker.

Fiji’s Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau addressing Parliamentarians on the health impacts of climate change.

Fiji's Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. Photo: Supplied/ Infinity Images Fiji

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau struck out a petition by SODELPA's Viliame Gavoka, which called for a review by the Standing Committee on Natural Resources of a proposed mining project in Sigatoka.

The Speaker said the petitions did not have handwritten signatures attached and online signatures would not be considered.

But National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad said they were not happy with Ratu Epeli's ruling and would stay out of the House.

"We believe that walking out of Parliament is a very important way to express our disappointment with the decision by the speaker.

"We will be writing to the speaker and we haven't made any decision when to return to Parliament."

Two other petitions submitted by SODELPA's Lynda Tabuya were also dismissed.

Sodelpa MP Lynda Tabuya.

Sodelpa MP Lynda Tabuya. Photo: Wikimedia commons / Stemoc