Opposition petitions special parliamentary sitting to validate results of president's election

The Opposition has petitioned the outgoing President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to summon a special parliamentary sitting within the week to determine whether or not a referendum to validate the results of today’s vote in parliament for the election of the new President can be effected.

Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa says this is because there is an inconsistency in the standing orders related to the high office of the President.

She says it is their wish that the constitution be reviewed to find a way for the Head of State for Fiji to have the firm backing of the people and is not left to partisan divides.

In the statement which the opposition leader had prepared to deliver in parliament today, she highlighted that Ratu Epeli Ganilau as a traditional representative of the Tovata Confederacy with traditional links to 14 provinces would have had the full support of the majority of the people of Fiji as the President.

During the election of the new President in parliament this morning, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader had submitted their respective nominees however the Opposition Leader had requested if she could provide the background of Ratu Epeli Ganilau who is their nominee.

The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama did not request to provide background information of his nominee.