President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for i-Taukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu will have voting rights in the appointment of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Chair and Vice Chair in Pacific Harbour today.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Minister Responsible for i-Taukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu said the 45 representatives from the 13 provinces, six nominees of the Minister of i-Taukei Affairs and the three ex-officio members which include the Prime Minister, President and Minister of i-Taukei affairs all have the voting rights to appoint the new chair and vice-chair of the GCC.
Namosi is the only province that is not sending its three delegates.
When question how would the interests of the people of Namosi be brought forward to today’s meeting, Vasu said it was unfortunate that Namosi did not want to send anyone to the Great Council of Chiefs Meeting.
He said the outcomes will be convened through the Serua reps.
Three names, one from each confederacy, have been nominated for the chairmanship role of the council.
Vasu did not reveal the names of the nominees.
The Elections Office will conduct the elections as required under the Electoral Act.
Vasu also confirmed that the chair would serve a term of three years and is eligible for re-election for another term.
The six nominated by the Minister of i-Taukei Affairs to be represented at the meeting are the three paramount chiefs of the three confederacies, those who have been nominated for the chairmanship role and the rep from the Soqosoqo Vaka Marama.
