SPEAKER of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau reminded the 55 members of Parliament that they are representatives of all Fijians irrespective of which political party they belonged to.
He made this statement during an induction program at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.
“Let me congratulate each and every one of you elected members for successful election into the Fijian Parliament,” Ratu Epeli said.
“The hard work of heeding the call of duty to carry out your parliamentary constitutional duties has already begun and I wish you all the very best in the new parliamentary term.
“It pleases me to convey a very special welcome to all elected members who will be entering Parliament for the first time,” he said.
He said it was pleasing to see many new and young Fijians who had committed themselves to serving the august House.
“This one-day induction workshop is very important for all elected members as preparatory requirements before Parliament sits for the first time.
“Please note that another week-long and more intensive induction program is scheduled for January.
“You will be duly notified ahead of time.
“Today the secretarial team will focus mostly on the approach services and procedures to be undertaken at the first meeting and swearing-in and some important administrative and workplace matters that requires your attention and of course some of the basic information about parliament and its role for our incoming new members.”
Section 67(1) of the Fijian Constitution provides that after a General Election of members of Parliament, the Parliament shall be summoned to meet by the President no later than 14 days after the announcement of the results of the General Election.
