FORMER Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula is hopeful a presidential pardon could hasten his political comeback.
In 2022, the Anti Corruption Division of the High Court in Suva sentenced Mr Nawaikula to three years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years, for falsely stating his permanent residence was in Buca Village and obtaining more than $20,000 in parliamentary allowances.
Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution says a person cannot be a candidate if convicted within eight years before nomination and given a prison term of 12 months or more.
“At the moment, I’m not (standing) because for people who are out of prison, you have to stand down for eight years,” Mr Nawaikula said.
“But if I am able to, as I hope to, to get a pardon.”
He said his immediate challenge was finding a party that reflected his values and long held advocacy.
“My difficulty now is finding a right party that aligns with my beliefs. That is a very difficult choice so I pray, and maybe God will show me.”
Asked whether any Coalition party aligns with his interests, he said that while they stood together in Opposition, none of the policies they championed have materialised in government.
“Most of the things that we were advocating then, when I was in Opposition, for example, the removal of the Constitution, the repeal of the land use decree and all those decrees are still there.
“So, I am not sure.
Mr Nawaikula said Government lacked the political will to act decisively.
“I have been telling the Government, don’t review it (2013 Constitution), repeal, then review. But I’m not sure they have that political will. I don’t know what the reasons are.”