17 Mar 2016

Fiji president opposed to calling parliament

12:12 pm on 17 March 2016

Fiji's president Jioji Konrote has dismissed an opposition call for him to convene parliament to discuss the crisis caused by Cyclone Winston.

Fiji President Jioji Konrote

Fiji President Jioji Konrote Photo: supplied

Two weeks ago, the opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa asked him to order a sitting, adding that he had no discretion in the matter.

In a statement, Mr Konrote said the constitution only allowed for him the call parliament if it is not in session.

Parliament opened its current sitting in September and the president explained that under the circumstances, he considered it inappropriate to summon parliament to meet.

Mr Konrote said he found that the Fijian spirit of resilience as well as faith in both government and the Almighty were very evident because the majority of all Fijians are confident that they will be assisted as promised by the Prime Minister and Government.

Parliament is expected to sit for 20 days this year.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs