Suspended opposition leader Voreqe Bainimarama has resigned from Parliament with immediate effect.
Mr Bainimarama made the announcement a few minutes ago in a live video posted on the FijiFirst social media page.
“Given the need to maintain our numbers in Parliament over the next three years, and the need for FijiFirst to be on the ground at all times, following discussions with our General Secretary (Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum), our Parliamentary Caucus, and most of all our supporters, I have tendered my resignation from Parliament, with immediate effect,” the FijiFirst party leader said.
He said the political party would nominate Inia Seruiratu in the next parliament sitting to be the Leader of Opposition.
“My work as leader, with the general secretary, will be to guide our parliamentary caucus so they can continue to fight inside Parliament while we will engage more actively outside parliament with our FijiFirst supporters, and the growing number of unsatisfied Fijians who are now questioning their decision to vote for parties that seem to be not delivering on their promises..”
Mr Bainimarama was suspended for three years from Parliament effective February 17 for statements he made against the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
The Privileges Committee had also decided that he issue a written apology to the President within 14 days from February 17 (2023), and an apology to the public within 48 hours from the same date; and during his period of suspension not to enter the parliamentary precincts.
The Opposition now has 25 seats in Parliament.
