Fiji’s main opposition political party SODELPA is mourning the death of Ratu Jone Rabici Seniloli, one of the party’s two newest members of parliament (MP), sworn into the August House this year.
Ratu Jone joined the Fijian Parliament following the resignation of Lynda Tabuya. The cause of his death is unclear.
In his maiden speech in parliament on 7 February, Ratu Jone said that his inspiration to contest the 2018 election stemmed from the need to bridge the gap between urban and rural development.
Citing the findings of the 2019-2020 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, Ratu Jone said it underscored the need to serve the rural communities.
In a brief statement, the party said it was saddened by Ratu Jone’s death.
We join his immediate family in mourning at this difficult time, the party said.
Meanwhile, Ratu Jone’s seat will remain vacant until the 2022 election, as per section 64(3) of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution. The vacancy comes more than three years and six months after the first meeting of parliament following the 2018 election.
