Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is the new Speaker of Parliament.
Mr Lalabalavu was accorded the “dragging of the speaker” ritual, where he was escorted from the public gallery by National Federation Party leader MP Prof Biman Prasad and People’s Alliance MP Ro Filipe Tuisawau to take an oath before he took up the Speaker’s chair yesterday.
He thanked the support of the general secretary of Parliament and the team of dedicated staff.
“I duly acknowledge their steadfast dedication to ensure the necessary services and process of Parliament are given due consideration without fear or favour,” Ratu Naiqama said.
He said he would perform his new role to the best of his ability.
“The Chair is not a prestigious or glamorous one but one that is burdened with a high level of responsibility and due diligence since it requires a constant devotion to the roles and principles of parliamentary democracy.”
He also acknowledged the work of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) and the Electoral Commission for their hard work in the successful completion of the electoral process.
“I commend FEO for their successful completion of the election process that has afforded all Fijians their right to vote for their representative in Parliament.
“And I must thank all Fijians who had rightfully and dutifully exercised this right.”
