September 24, 2013

PM does not need to consult with political parties-govt

Publish date/time: 24/09/2013 [17:13]

The government has stressed that the Prime Minister does not need to consult with the political parties before recommending the appointments of the Supervisor of Elections and the members of the Electoral Commission.

Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Colonel Pio Tikoduadua said the process during the transitional period is clearly set out in the 2013 constitution.

He said this will be followed by the government and there will be no changes. 

The Social Democratic and Liberal Party is calling for the Prime Minister to consult with the political parties before the appointment of the Supervisor of Elections and the members of the Electoral Commission.

Under the 2013 constitution, any appointments to be made by the Constitution Offices Commission before the next sitting of parliament have to be made by the Prime Minister in this transitional period.

After the first parliament sitting, the Constitution Offices Commission will be appointed. 

The commission will consist of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Attorney General, two persons appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and one person appointed on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

SODELPA's senior official, Doctor Tupeni Baba said they do not agree with the process in the transitional period.

When asked by Fijivillage why SODELPA is assuming that the Prime Minister will not recommend credible people, Doctor Baba said they will not change their stand.

However Colonel Tikoduadua has made it clear that the process will not be amended.

Story by: Vijay Narayan

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So who is the Leader of the Opposition's nominee? Wait there's no Leader of the Opposition...no wait Khaiyum probably has that portfolio also???