Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko has warned MPs to maintain proper conduct in the House, saying proceedings last night came close to becoming chaotic.
Jitoko issued the warning in Parliament this afternoon ahead of the introduction of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, reminding members that parliamentary decorum was clearly required under the Standing Orders.
“It is there in black and white in our Standing Orders,” Jitoko said.
Explaining what was expected of MPs, he said members must conduct themselves appropriately regardless of how strongly they felt about an issue before Parliament.
“The expectation of the Chair and of this Parliament and of the people of this country is that each one of you and all members behave,” he said.
“Notwithstanding how much a member loves or dislikes an issue, a motion, or any matter that comes before this House, you will and must address it with proper, polite, and socially correct and acceptable manner.”
Jitoko referred to heated proceedings in Parliament last night, describing the situation as having come close to unacceptable parliamentary behaviour.
“Last evening was near chaotic, bordering, if not already, on some non-acceptable behaviour,” he said.
The Speaker said it was his responsibility to ensure order and decorum were maintained in the House at all times.
His warning came ahead of Parliament’s consideration of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 this afternoon.
