Constitutionally, the appointment of the three members of the Constituency Boundaries Commission is in limbo.
This is the view of one of the architects of the 1997 Constitution and academic, Professor Brij Lal, who says that there are clear provisions in the Constitution for the appointment of the Commission. The Chairperson of the Commission is appointed by the President, acting in his judgment following consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.
Lal adds that its two other members, are a nominee each, of the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition, he says the Constitution still exists but the parliament is suspended and thus, questions of mandate and legitimacy arises.
According to Lal, Fiji seems to be muddling through on this issue.
The Constituency Boundaries Commission, which consists of Ulamila Fa Tuituku as its chair with the two appointees, Fr Kevin Bar and Albert Queet, was appointed by the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo on the 15th of this month.
The Commission's main task is to undertake a review of the electoral boundaries in preparation for the general elections, which is now to be held in March, 2009.
Constituency Boundaries Commission in limbo
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p