News

First Parliament sitting begins today

November 25, 2018 7:06 pm

President Major General Retired Jioji Konrote will open today’s first parliament sitting.

A new speaker of the house is expected to be elected today.

Current Speaker of the Houser Dr Jiko Luveni says a deputy speaker and leader of Opposition will also be elected before the sitting is adjourned.

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“What happens after is the speaker of the house will be elected and then the new session will be opened by the President and then we will expect the new MP’s to know what they are expected to do especially the maiden speech.”

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Premila Kumar says this is her first time in parliament, therefore she will need to meet with her permanent secretary before any work begins.

“First of all we will do a stock take of what has been done, what needs to be done. So that would be my key focus, to start off by understanding what has been achieved, what was in our manifesto, what needs to be done in terms of achieving what we promised to the people.”

Outgoing SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the last time he was in parliament was 19 years ago, however he is ready.

“We are just getting ready. We are just sorting out our sitting and modes of cooperation with National Federation Party.”

Parliament sitting will begin at 9.30am while the official opening will be at 3pm.