Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says a crossbencher’s vote is flexible and tradeable.
He said the nine members of Parliament who declared their support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka would remain independents but would be crossbenchers whose votes would depend on the issue that was before Parliament.
Meanwhile, former FijiFirst MP Mosese Bulitavu said their support for the PM would not affect their work as members of the Opposition.
Crossbenchers are members of Parliament who may be independents or from minor parties, and usually, are not in Government.
This means that they can make up their own mind on how they will vote in Parliament.
“I think that most people don’t understand how crossbenchers work, particularly for independents,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“In other jurisdictions, you are an independent before you come into Parliament.
“You contest the elections but when you come into Parliament, you work as crossbenchers so probably this is what the nine members have opted for.
“They will remain independents, but their vote is flexible.
“Based on the lobby from other parties and based on the issues that are there before Parliament, their votes are tradable when it comes to voting on issues.”
Meanwhile, one of the MPs who has declared his stand with Mr Rabuka, Mosese Bulitavu, says they would continue to work with the members of the Opposition.
Mr Bulitavu said as the ‘middle blocks’ they would be able to lobby between Government and Opposition, bringing unity to both sides.
“I think the leader of Opposition has already confirmed to the media last week that he is still open for office from the PM, and we are optimistic that we will be working in the future,” Mr Bulitavu said.
“For the nine MPs, we are part of the middle block and that will not stop us from working with the Opposition Leader.”
