Fiji’s Speaker of the House Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has clarified the new status of the 26 former FijiFirst members following the party’s deregistration.

Addressing the House on the first day of the August parliamentary session today, Ratu Naiqama confirmed that 25 members have declared themselves as independent.

“Some informed me in writing, while some of them declared during the participation in debate,” he said. One member is still awaiting the outcome of an appeal, he lodged with the Electoral Commission against the deregistration, before making a final decision.

The former FijiFirst MPs have now reorganised into two separate opposition groups. The first group, led by Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, consists of 16 members, with Jone Usamate as Whip and Ketan Lal as Deputy Whip. The second group, led by Iowane Naivalurua, includes nine members, with Viliame Naupoto as Whip and Alipate Tuicolo as Deputy Whip.

“All 26 members remain in the opposition, operating under these two separate blocks,” Ratu Naiqama stated. “In light of two working groups and blocks, my office will review the membership of the standing committees to ensure fair representation of the two working groups or blocks.”

He urged the members to maintain constructive dialogue for the benefit of the nation. “I plead with you all, we continue to engage in constructive dialogue as we have been doing recently. We will continue in that dialogue to uphold and ensure the best interest of people who elected you in and most importantly our beloved country.”

The realignment comes after FijiFirst, led by former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, was deregistered by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa month. The party was deregistered for failing to amend its constitution to include internal dispute resolution guidelines as required.