Former House of Representatives secretary Edward Blakelock reckons the opposition operating in two blocs is “quite an unusual change”.
Responding to Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s announcement in Parliament yesterday that the opposition would be operating in two working groups or blocs, he believes decisions by members would also differ.
We have the setting for a rather unusual turn of events as Mr Blakelock has pointed out.
It isn’t every day that one gets to see an opposition made up entirely of independents for starters!
Under the Political Parties Act, on section 20 about the effect of deregistration, part 2 of that section notes: Where a political party that has been deregistered under section 19 had representatives elected to Parliament, such representatives shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term as independents or as members of other political parties.
I could not find anything about blocs or sections for independents!
In the 2013 Constitution, under section 78, the members of Parliament who – (a) do not belong to the Prime Minister’s political party and are members of the opposition party or a coalition of opposition parties; (b) do not belong to any party which is in coalition with or which supports, the Prime Minister’s political party; or (c) are independent candidates who do not support the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister’s political party, must elect a person from amongst themselves to be the Leader of the Opposition, in accordance with this section.
The scenario we have now is of two leaders in opposition.
It makes for what Mr Blakelock says is an unusual change.
He likens this to the Government side having two parties, and so as the opposition!
That’s bearing in mind the public comments already stated about supporting the Government in policies or decisions that are for the public good!
Mr Blakelock reckons, however, all members are in opposition.
“At the end of the day it’s still one opposition group. The opposition group is the group that is not in the Government.
“So, all those in the opposition side, whether it’s one or two groups are opposition, although they are broken up into two factions.
“We are going into different waters now the way it looks, but still at the end of the day to me, it’s still one Opposition.”
For whatever it is worth, what matters for the people though is who ensures the Government is there for them?
Who ensures that processes and systems are adhered to, and that the people ultimately matter?
For the good of the nation, this has to be one consideration we hold up!
As we navigate this new political terrain, we look forward with great anticipation, to the ultimate test, to see whether these changes will enhance the opposition’s ability to serve its purpose, standing up for the people, and holding the Government to account!
