PEOPLES CHARTER COUNCIL MAKES SUBMISSION TO THE CONSTITUTION COMMISSION

Ministry of Information
Sep 21|16:11 pm

The President of Fiji should be appointed by Parliament which is a representation of the people of this nation through it’s elected members.

This was put across to the Constitution Commission by the National Advisory Council to the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress [NACPCCPP] during its submission yesterday.

The council also proposed that that the term of appointment for the President should only be for 5 years and only one term of re appointment to be served.

National Advisory Council to the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress chairman, Mr. Josefa Seruilagilagi, Deputy Chairman Mrs. Lorraine Tevi, Mr. Jone Dakuvula and Mr. Dewan Maharaj appeared at the Commission’s sitting at the Korovou Police Bure before two Commissioners –Professor Satendra Nandan and Dr Taufa Vakatale.

Mr Josefa Seruilagilagi said that the Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition should nominate two names each to be put into the floor of the House of Representatives and the members of the House of Representatives should vote as individuals through secret ballots.

Persons who should hold the position must hold Fiji Citizenship, have a distinguish career in the Public service, be medically fit and not declared an undischarged bankrupt or hold a serious criminal record.

They also recommend that the House of Representatives be reduced by 25% from 71 to 54 seats because Fiji is a small country and the financial costs have to be considered.

Additionally the National Advisory Council to the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress strongly feel that the criteria for appointment of a new member of the House of Representatives should include the requirement that any candidate wishing to enter should hold only Fiji Citizenship, candidates with dual citizenship would be required to renounce all other citizenship prior to be sworn in as a member of the House of representatives.

Term of office for the members of the House of Representatives be 4 years as this is adequate time for an elected member to have performed to their maximum potential.

The NACPCCPP also spoke at length on principles and values to be inculcated in the constitution

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