Inosi Kuridrani has confirmed that he is prepared to take up the parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu.
Kuridrani, a former Member of Parliament and current Chairman of the Land Transport Authority Board, received 1,553 votes in the 2022 general election as a candidate for the People’s Alliance.
When asked about his intentions regarding the vacant position, he stated, “I am ready to take on the role.”
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili confirmed that the Commission has informed the next eligible candidate, who has expressed a willingness to serve, although he did not name Kuridrani.
In the meantime, the commission is conducting due diligence and expects to make a formal announcement next week, before Parliament swears in the new member.
Rayalu, a senior member of the People’s Alliance respected for his work supporting farmers and rural communities, passed away on June 12 after a short illness. Under Fiji’s Electoral Act 2014 and Constitution, the vacant seat must be filled by the highest-ranked unelected candidate from the same party list used in the last general election.
Kuridrani previously served as a Member of Parliament from 2018 to 2022 with the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) before joining the People’s Alliance.
Related Articles:
