HRPP deputy leader puzzled by the intentions to have the resigned HRPP Members of Parliament attend the next session of the House to officially confirm resignations from the party.
By Staff Writer
The announced intention for the three MPs who resigned from the HRPP opposition party, to attend the next Parliament session on 20 December 2022, is being blasted as pointless.
Protesting opposition deputy leader, Lauofo Fonotoe Meti, see no reason why the MPs should be allowed when there is no legal requirement for them to do so.
Lauofo objects vehemently to plans by the Speaker, Papali’i Taeu Masepa’u, for the MPs to attend to give official confirmation of their resignations.
The HRPP deputy leader has followed very closely from the start the legal requirements in the resignations by firstly, MPs Ale Vena Ale, Tuu’u Anasi’i Lota and recently, Mau’u Siaosi Pu’epu’emai.
“It’s been about a month now since the first two MPs resigned and the Speaker was officially informed in writing from the start; there was extensive media coverage as well, yet he has only just now brought charges against them,” Lauofo puzzled.
“I also cannot understand why the MPs have to wait all this time until Parliament meets, when the Speaker can allow them at least 3-days to confirm in writing their official resignations.”
Lauofo followed up on the legal process where once everything is in place the Speaker is required to inform the Electoral Commissioner for by-election and the Head of State for a writ.
He underlined the point of the MPs choice of confirmation of either resignation by choice or by force.
“The MPs have written letters of resignation to give as evidence they have resigned freely so what is there to contest in court.?
“What they should be doing now is to prepare for bi-elections.”
The initial response by Speaker Papali’i to the MPs resignation announcements was to make it official in Parliament.
Government MPs went public also to claim the rights by MPs.
Fonotoe, however, made it clear from the outset that those rights were voided under the Constitution for MPs who resigned.
Fonotoe agreed with worried speculations that the HRPP is in for public condemnation from the MPs when allowed to give reasons for the falling out.
He felt that MPs have their own rights to resign if they want to but it is not as if they were forced to join the party.
HRPP deputy leader, Lauofo Fonotoe Meti, has blasted as pointless,
announced intentions for 3- opposition Members of Parliament to officially confirm party resignations is pointless if they must wait until the Houses is called to session in about 2-week’s time.’