Suva Lawyer Tanya Waqanika. [File Photo]

Suva Lawyer Tanya Waqanika has confirmed she will be resigning from the Constitutional Offices Commission today.

The Social Democratic Liberal Party member told FBC News the survival of the coalition government is more important to her than a position in the COC.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had nominated Waqanika and Constitutional Lawyer Jon Apted to the COC, while Opposition Leader Voreqe Bainimarama appointed former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

This morning, Waqanika says she is challenging Sayed-Khaiyum to either resign from COC or FijiFirst as per the provisions of the Political Parties Act.

She says a member of the COC cannot have any affiliation with a registered political party while being in the COC as stated under the Political Parties Act.

Section 14 (1) (a) of the Act states a public officer shall not be eligible to be an applicant or a member of a proposed political party or a political party registered under this Act.

It (b) further states that the public officer shall not be eligible to hold office in a proposed political party or a political party registered under this Act.

The Act also states the public officer shall not engage in political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of that person’s office, or (d) publicly indicate support or opposition to any proposed party or a political party registered under this Act or candidate in an election.

FBC News has sought comment from Sayed-Khaiyum.