Speaker addresses the Issue of Hon. Niko Nawaikula’s seat in Parliament

Honourable Members, I will now address the House on the issue of Hon. Niko Nawaikula’s seat in Parliament.

1. Honourable Members, on 26 July 2021, I had informed Parliament that, as a result of the removal of his name by the Supervisor of Elections from the Register of Voters, Hon. Nawaikula’s seat in Parliament had become vacant.

2. In accordance with the powers expressly provided under the Fijian Constitution, Hon. Nawaikula challenged the decision of the Supervisor of Elections to remove his name in the Register of Voters, in the Court of Disputed Returns.

3. Honourable Members, the Court of Disputed Returns has now made its determination. In a judgment delivered on 17 August 2021, the Court ruled that, in removing Hon. Nawaikula’s name from the Register of Voters, the actions of the Supervisor of Elections were unlawful, disproportionate and wrongful.

4. As a result of the determination by the Court of Disputed Returns, Hon. Nawaikula is reinstated as a Member of Parliament with full recognition, remuneration and benefits.

5. I welcome Hon. Nawaikula back into Parliament.