PM disappointed with Kepa for not attending any Constitutional Offices Commission meetings

Prime Minister and Chairman of the Constitutional Offices Commission Voreqe Bainimarama says he is disappointed with the Leader of Opposition Ro Teimumu Kepa who has not attended any Constitutional Offices Commission meetings since May 2015.

Bainimarama made this clear in parliament today when asked by SODELPA parliamentarian, Semesa Karavaki on why there has been no regular updates and advice from the commission on matters relating to its functions and responsibilities in accordance with the constitution.

The Prime Minister says the commission has always provided updates to all Fijians through prompt media statements on the appointments made by the President on the advice of the commission to every single one of the constitutional offices.

Bainimarama says the commission will continue to update the public about its decisions and in due course will table its report to parliament.

Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa tried to make a statement on why she has not been attending the commission meetings however she was told that she can only ask questions based on the question raised by Karavaki.

NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad then asked for an assurance that the commission’s work is independent.

Bainimarama said the commission’s decisions are independent.

Ro Teimumu’s nominee for the commission is SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka.

The Constitutional Offices Commission consists of the Prime Minister who is the chairperson, the Leader of Opposition, the Attorney General, two persons appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and one person appointed by the President on the advice of the Leader of Opposition.

The commission is responsible for providing advice to the President for the appointment of the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the chairperson and members of the Electoral Commission, Supervisor of Elections, Secretary General to Parliament, chairperson and members of PSC, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service, Army Commander, Auditor General and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.