By Staff Writer
Former deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa is playing safe by registering as an independent candidate for the General Elections rather than commit to any political party.
A show of loyalty to any other political party before Parliament is dissolved would have disqualified her from holding on to her Lotofaga Electoral Constituency seat.
“Today, with the support of the chiefs and orators of my village and constituency of Lotofaga, I registered as an Independent candidate for the 2021 general elections,” Fiame officially declared in a press statement circulated to the local media.
“I decided to register as an Independent for the major reason to protect my constituency’s seat and for me to continue to serve as my constituency’s voice in Parliament until the end of the Parliamentary term.”
Fiame reaffirmed her decision to resign from Cabinet in protest over the three Constitutional Amendment Bills and her fears the legislations would undermine the rule of law and of the “serious consequences for us all”.
“It is my wish to make a meaningful contribution when the 3 Bills are debated in Parliament for the final third readings and until Parliament is dissolved in January 2021.”
While the former Deputy Prime Minister did not officially declare any direct links to another political party she admitted to endorsing FAST with the support of her electorate.
“My constituency has expressed its support for my position. However, I am mindful of the law and will remain an Independent MP until Parliament is dissolved in January 2021.”
