The seat of convicted SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula has become vacant and he has been disqualified from contesting the 2022 General Election.
Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau clarified this in parliament this morning saying Mr Nawaikula had been convicted with one count of tendering false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage and is therefore disqualified from being a candidate in the 2022 election.
“This is particularly so given that the maximum penalty for the offences that he had been convicted of is a term of imprisonment of five years and ten years respectively,” Ratu Epeli said.
“As such the Honorable Nawaikula’s seat in parliament has become vacant pursuant to Section 63 (1) (D) of the Constitution which in this instant became vacant on the date of his conviction being 3rd May 2022,” he said.
He said a written notification was provided to Mr Nawaikula on Friday, May 6, 2022 and the same was conveyed to the Leader of the Opposition, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Ratu Epeli also stated that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission was also notified accordingly.
