Social worker Cema Bolabola was today nominated as Government’s second appointee to the Constitutional Offices Commission.
She joins Suva lawyer Jon Apted from the Government side.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed the nomination after the COC meeting in Suva today.
Bolabola replaces Social Democratic Liberal Party member Tanya Waqanika, who resigned from the Commission, stating Party affiliation is more important.
Meanwhile Opposition Leader Voreqe Bainimarama nominated Roko Tupou Draunidalo.
Draunidalo replaces the former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who Bainimarama had nominated earlier.
Bainimarama had again withdrawn Sayed-Khaiyum as the nomination was not in compliance to Section 14(1) of the Political Parties Act.
Sections 14 (1) (a-d) states a public officer shall not – be eligible to be an applicant or a member of a proposed political party or a political party; be eligible to hold office in a proposed political party or a political party registered under this Act; engage in political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of that person’s office in an election; or publicly indicate support for or opposition to any proposed political party registered under this Act or candidate in an election.
Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the outcome of the meeting very interactive, friendly, and civil.
He said they want to move the nation forward, meaning that they all need to work together, even if it’s with the FijiFirst.
“This is all about the people of Fiji and how we intend to move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and the Leader of Opposition Voreqe Bainimarama are ex-officio members of the Constitutional Offices Commission.
