Retired judge Justice Filimone Jitoko has been elected Speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, securing 34 votes while Opposition nominee Ruveni Nadalo garnered 15 votes.
The Opposition Bloc 9, led by Iowane Naivalurua and including Viliame Naupoto, Mosese Bulitavu, Penioni Ravunawa, and Aliki Bia, voted in support of the government for Justice Jitoko in a roll-call vote.
Jitoko, the government’s nominee and seconded by Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto, recently served as President of the Court of Appeal, a position he held since early November last year before retiring. His distinguished legal career also includes serving as Chief Justice at the Nauru Supreme Court from 2000 to 2017, where he also took on the role of Registrar from 2015 to 2017.
Justice Jitoko began his academic journey at the University of the South Pacific in 1969. He continued his studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law. He was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 1978, marking the start of a long and impactful legal career.
On the other hand, Nadalo, nominated by Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu and seconded by Alvick Maharaj, is a former Deputy Speaker of Parliament who contested under the We Unite Fiji Party banner after breaking away from FijiFirst in 2022. Seruiratu described Nadalo as a leader with a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and a commitment to democracy and inclusivity.
The Speaker’s position became vacant following Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s recent election to the presidency.
