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I}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 JI}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid7633794 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11935606\charrsid7633794 ISLANDS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11229569 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 AT SUVA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 ORIGINAL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11935606 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 ISCELLANEOUS CASE NO. 1 OF 1999 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11935606 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11935606\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11935606 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid7633794 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 THE PRESIDENT OF THE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 REPUBLIC OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ISLANDS \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11935606 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 Applicant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11935606 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 1)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 INOKE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 KUBUABOLA, LEADER OF T}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 HE OPPOSITION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 2) MAHENDRA }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 PAL CHAUDHARY, PRIME }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 MINISTER, GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI ISLANDS}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 AND LEADER}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 OF THE FIJI LABOUR PARTY \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7536991\charrsid7633794 3) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 ADI KUINI SPEED, LEADER OF THE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 FIJIAN ASSOCIATION PARTY \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11935606 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 Respondents \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 Coram:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid3828420 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3828420 \tab }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 The Hon. Sir Timoci Tuivaga, President of Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 The Rt. Hon. Lord Cooke of Thorndon, Judge of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 Supreme }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid3828420 Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 The Hon. Sir A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 nthony Mason, Judge of Supreme C}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 ourt \par The Hon. Sir Gerard Brennan, Judge of Supreme Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 The Hon. Justice John Toohey, Judge of Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 \par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid3828420 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 Monday 30 and Tuesday 31, August 1999 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 \par }\pard \ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid3828420 \tab }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 Nainendra Nand, Solicitor-General, William Calenchini, Sarvada Nand Sharma and Ne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 hla Basawaiya for the Applicant. \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 Jai Ram Reddy, Bhupendra, C. Patel, Kelemedi Bulewa and Vod}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 o Tuberi for the 1st Respondent \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1987384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 Haroon }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 Ali Shah for the 2nd Respondent \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid3828420 S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 ir Vijay R. Singh for the 3rd Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 \par Date of Opinion: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid3828420 Friday, 3 September, 1999 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid3828420 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11762373 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 OPINION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3828420 OF THE SUPREME COURT DELIVERED \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 BY}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11762373\charrsid7633794 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 SIR TIMOCI TUIVAGA, CHIEF JUSTICE. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5506759 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Introduction \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 This is the unanimous opinion of the Supreme Court on questions referred to it by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the President under section 123 of the Constitution Amendment Act 1997("the Constitution").}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3828420 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Section 123 of the Constitution provides }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \endash }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3828420 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 123. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The President may, in the publi c interest and on the advice of the Cabinet, refer to the Supreme Court for its opinion any question as to the effect of a provision of this Constitution that has arisen or appears likely to arise, and the Supreme Court must pronounce in open court its op inion on the question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11143108\charrsid7633794 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 " \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 By section 2(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 the Constitution is the supreme law of the State. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The opinion of the Supreme Court pronounced in response to a reference by the President is n ecessarily authoritative as the true interpretation of the law and binding on the President, the Government, the Parliament, the Courts, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, and on the people of Fiji generally. By sections 3, 6 and 7 the Constitution lays down certa in principles which are to apply in its interpretation. We have been guided by these principles, as we shall explain in the course of our reasons. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10445214\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 A general election for the election of members of the House of Representatives}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 was conducted from 8 to 15 May 1999. After the election, issues arose as to the composition of the Senate. These resulted in the President's reference, dated 24 June 1999, which originally}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 contained, in paragraph 6, a series of questions (a) to (d). On 24 August 1999 with the approval}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 Cabinet,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the President enlarged the reference to include issues raised in a certain originating}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 summons and a certain judicial review proceeding, both of which had been issued in the High}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Court by the Leader of the Opposition. The questions proposed by the President are set out in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 sec}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 tion C of a statement of agreed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 facts and issues previously filed}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 in this Court by the Solicitor-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 General on 19 August 1999. The issues set out in sections D and E were first proposed by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 interested parties and were subsequently incorporated into the reference. The answers to some}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 of the added questions will necessarily follow from our answers to some of the questions in section C. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 As the documentation is long and complicated, we reproduce as appendices to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 this judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10170403 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10170403 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 Appendix A. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The original reference. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10170403 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10170403 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Append}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 ix B. Enlargement of reference. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10170403 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1987384\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10170403 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 Appendix C. T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 he statement of agreed facts and issues. It is to b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 e noted also that the statement }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 of agreed facts and iss}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 ues was accompanied by a bulky }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 list of documents, which cannot conveniently be reproduced in an appendix. \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5065602 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5065602\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Most of the relevant material, however, being reproduced in the appendices, we need set out in our reasons the more important facts only. They are as follows. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 By section 50 of the Const}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 itution, the House}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 of Representatives consists of 71 members elected in accordance with the Constitution to represent single-member constituencies.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 At the May general election 71 members were elected, but on 11 June 1999 the High Court on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 an election petition revoked the election of one member and declared another candidate to be the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 duly elected member for that constituency. Then on 21 June 1999 the Speaker of the House}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 declared }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 a vacancy of another constituency following the resignation of Sitiveni Rabuka, a member of the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT), who had been elected at the general}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 election. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 A by-election therefore became necessary and the result is still pending. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 So, at the date of the President's original reference, 24 June 1999, and indeed down to the present time there were and are 70 members of the House of Representatives, with party af}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 filiations (if any) as follows:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts11\trrh-301\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740 \pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (a)\cell Fiji Labour Party (FLP)\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 37 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 { \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts11\trrh-301\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb \brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow1\irowband1\ts11\trrh-278\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr \brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (b)\cell Fijian Association Parry (FAP)\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 11 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow1\irowband1\ts11\trrh-278\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt \brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow2\irowband2\ts11\trrh-235\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc \clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (c)\cell Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT)\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 7 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 { \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow2\irowband2\ts11\trrh-235\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb \brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow3\irowband3\ts11\trrh-274\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr \brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (d)\cell Party of National Unity\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 4 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow3\irowband3\ts11\trrh-274\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt \brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow4\irowband4\ts11\trrh-264\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc \clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (e)\cell Christian Democratic Party\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 3 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 { \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow4\irowband4\ts11\trrh-264\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb \brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow5\irowband5\ts11\trrh-259\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr \brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 (f)}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \cell United General Party\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 2 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow5\irowband5\ts11\trrh-259\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow6\irowband6 \ts11\trrh-269\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (g)\cell Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 1 seat\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 { \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow6\irowband6\ts11\trrh-269\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb \brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\trowd \irow7\irowband7\ts11\trrh-326\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr \brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (h)\cell Independents\cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow7\irowband7\ts11\trrh-326\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc \clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 \cell \cell }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid13830471 { \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 70 seats\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 \trowd \irow8\irowband8\lastrow \ts11\trrh-326\trleft1080\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth540\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalc\clbrdrt \brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4140\clshdrawnil \cellx5760\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1980\clshdrawnil \cellx7740\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16455472\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The principal questions in the reference relate to how the Senate is to be composed. These questions also require consideration of how the Cabinet is to be composed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The principal relevant-provisions of the Constitution are sections 64 and 99 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \endash }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792349 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 64.-(1) The Senate consists of 32 members, of whom: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (a) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 14 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16531348\charrsid7633794 Levu Vakaturaga;}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (b) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 9 are appointed by the President on the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 advice of the Prime Minister;}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (c) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 8 are appointed by the President on t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 he advice of the Leader of the O}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ppos}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 i}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 on; and \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (d) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 1 is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Rotuma. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792349 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (2) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The leaders of each of the parties entitled to be invited to participate in the Cabinet under section 99 nominate a person or persons for appoint}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3828420 ment under paragraph (1)(c) and}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15597876\charrsid7633794 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 in tendering advice to the President pursuant to that paragraph, the Leader of the Opposition must ensure that the 8 persons proposed for appointment comprise such number of nominees of those parties as is proportionate to the size of the membership of those parties in the House of Representatives. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792349 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (3) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 If, at the time when an appointment is, or appointments are, to be made to the Senate under this section, the position of Leader of the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 Opposition is vacant, the Prim}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 e Minister must adopt the role of the Leader of the Opposition under subs}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 ection (2) in tendering advice }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 to the President as to, the 8 persons proposed for appointment under paragraph (1)(c). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792349 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (4) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 A person is not eligible to be appointed as a member of the Senate unless he or she is eligible to be a candidate in elections to the House of Representatives. " \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 99.-(1) The President appoints and dismisses other Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5317681\charrsid7633794 (2) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 To be eligible for appointment, a Minister must be a member }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7030661\charrsid7633794 of the House of Representatives or}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the Senate. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7030661\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (3) The Prime Minister must establish a multiparty Cabinet in the way set out in this section comprising such number of Ministers as he or she determines. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 (4) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Subject to this section, the compos}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10486524\charrsid7633794 ition of the Cabinet should, as}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 far as possible, fairly repre sent the parties represented in the House of Representatives. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 (5}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ) In establishing the Cabinet, the Prime Minister must invite all parties whose membership in the House of Representatives comprises at least 10% of the total membership }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 of the House to}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8087558\charrsid7633794 be represented in the Cabinet in proportion to their numbers in the House.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8792349\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (6) If the Prime Minis}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8937231\charrsid7633794 t}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 er selects for appointment to the Cabinet a person from a party whose membership in the House of Representatives is less than 10% of the total membership of the H ouse, that selection is deemed, for the purposes of this section, to be a selection of a person from the Prime Minister's own party. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8087558\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8087558\charrsid7633794 (7) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 If a par}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 y declines an invitation from the Prime Minister to be represented in the Cabinet, the Prime Minister must allocate the Cabinet positions to which that party would have been entitled amongst the other parties (including the Prime Minister's party) in prop ortion, as far as possible, to their respective }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 entitlements under subsection (5}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8087558\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (8) If all parties (apart from the Prime Minister's party and the party (if any) with which it is in coalition) decline an invitation from the Prime Minister to be represent ed in the Cabinet, the Prime Minister may look to his or her own party or coalition of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8937231\charrsid7633794 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 parties to fill the places in the Cabinet}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13853508\charrsid7633794 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8087558\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (9) In selecting persons from parties other than his or her own party for appointment as Ministers, the Prime Minister must consult with the leaders of those parties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8087558\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 As we will explain more fully shortly, a key concept embodied in the Constitution is power sharing. The questions referred to the Court are essentially concerned with how this concept operates in relation to the Senate and the Cabinet. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 In their arguments on the hearing of the reference}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 the three parties represented before the Court each sought the largest possible share.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The Solicitor-General, as well as opening the reference generally, presented argument which Mr. Shah adopted on behalf of FLP. The Solicitor-General argued for an interpretation of sections 64 and 99 having the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3828420 effect that under section 64(1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 b) the President}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 had to appoint to the Senate 9 members on the advice of the Prime Minister, and that as well, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 under section 64(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9309255\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 c), the Prime Minister was entitled to require the Leader of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the Opposition to include in the 8 to be appointed on his advice 4 nominated by the Prime Minister's party. The thesis of this argument is that, reading the two sectio ns together, if the Prime Minister}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 s party has at least 10% of the total }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 membership of the House of Repres}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 entative}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 s, it is entitled to a proportionate representation in the Senate which will be additional to the 9 members to be}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister under section 64(}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3828420 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (b). \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 For SVT, whose oral submissions were presented by Mr Patel, the preferred interpretation contended for would entitle the Leader of the Opposition (at present the Leader of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 SVT) to nominate all 8 appointees under section 64(1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7036951\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 c) from his own party or according to his}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 discretion. This is on the, theory that, as applied to the present circumstances, the SVT party's members are at least 10% of the total membership of the House, and that a ccordingly the SVT is entitled to a corresponding p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7036951\charrsid7633794 roportion of the Cabinet seats.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Further, the argument goes, after the words "all parties" in section 99(5) there should be read in an exception "apart from the Prime Minister's party and the party (if any)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 with which it is in coalition}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16187578\charrsid7633794 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 " The significance of this is that FLP, FAP and the Party of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 National Unity, though separate parties, campaigned as a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 coalition and at present are j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 oined (together with some others) in a coalition government. It is an interpretation which would exclude FAP from any right to seats in either the Senate or the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Cabinet. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 In sharp }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 contrast,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the argument presented for FAP by Sir Vijay Singh was initially for an interpretation having the effect that in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7036951\charrsid7633794 circumstances now obtaining FA}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 P would have the right to monopolise the Leader of the Opposition's 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8993593 nominees under section 64(1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7036951\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 c). This view was founded on the fact that FAP has more than 10% of the total membership of the House, coupled with the suggestion that its possible comp etitor for a share of the Senate nominations under (c), namely SVT, no longer qualifies to share because the vacancy th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 at has occurred has reduced SVT\rquote }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 s membership of the House to less than 10%. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 For the reasons about to be given the Court is satisfied that all of those main}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 arguments are wrong. In fairness to Sir Vijay Singh, however, we add that, when the difficulties}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 in the way of his initial argument became clear, he did not press it. We understood him then to accept that, if 8 Senate appointments are t o be shared in proportion to the current membership of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the House (70 members only), FAP will control 5 and SVT 3; and that, if the appointments are to be made after the result of the by-election is known, each party other than the Prime Minister's party wi th at least 10% of the then total membership of 71 will likewise be entitled to share proportionately. Thus, if SVT wins the vacant seat at the by-election and the Senate appointments have not previously been made, the sharing of Senate appointments will be 9 (Prime Minister's advice) 5 (FAP) 3 (SVT). This approach, whereunder the date of appointments can be important, is the correct one. We proceed to explain why. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 The}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 True Interpretation of the Rights regarding Senate Appointments \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 A central purpose of the 1997 Constitution is the sharing of power. The Republic of the Fiji Islands is declared in the course of the preamble to be a multi-cultural society. While some particular protection of Fijian interests is contemplated by section 6(j), political power is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 to be shared equitably}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 amongst}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8993593 all communities: section 6(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ). B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 section }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 99(3),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the Cabinet is to be multi-party. Sharing of power means limitations of power. This concept of sharing permeates sections 64 and 99. For the purpose of determining the questions raised by the present reference, it must be given particular weight in resolving any ambiguity or deciding which of a number of possible interpretations must be adopted. Section 3(a) so requires, for }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 it provides}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7873879\charrsid7633794 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8612163 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 3}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 In the interpretation of a provision of this Constitution \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8993593 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 (a) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 a construction that would promote the purpose or object underlying the provision, taking into account the spirit of this Constitution as a whole, is to be preferred to a construction that would no}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7474256\charrsid7633794 t promote that purpose or object;}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 , and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 .........}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13830471\charrsid8993593 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 It follows that there is a distribution of political power quite different from that which may be familiar under a traditional Westminster pattern. In a traditional Westminster - style democracy a Prime Minister who enjoys the support of the lower House can normally establish a Cabinet as he or she pleases. That is not the position in the Fiji Islands. Political power is divided among a number of groups, persons and parties; the share of each is in some way limited. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The pattern is apparent when one looks at sections 64 and 99. For example,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8612163\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 under section 64 a very striking feature of the composition of the Senate is that of the 32 members 14 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga. The Great Council of Chiefs are thus likely to have great power in the Senate. But they do not comprise a party, and under section 99 they are given no right to Cabinet seats. That is a limitation on their potential power. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 So, too, there are limitations on the Prime Minister's powers. By section 98, the President, acting in his or h er own judgment, appoints as Prime Minister the member of the House of Representatives who, in the President's opinion, can form a government that has the confidence of that House. Thereafter, by section 99(l), the President appoints and dismisses other M inisters on the advice of the Prime Minister. But in turn the powers of the Prime}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Minister are subject to restrictions. By section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 99(3),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 he or she must establish a multi-party}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Cabinet, in the way set out in the section, comprising such number of Ministers as he or she}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 determines. By section 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 9(4), subject to the section, the composition of the Cabinet is, as far as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 possible, to fairly represent the parties represented i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 n the House of Representatives. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 In particular, in establishing the Cabinet the Prime Minister by section 99(5) is required to invite}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 qualified parties (as there described) to participate; and this links with sections 64(1)(c) and (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 whereunder Senate appointments flow from the rights of parties to be invited to participate in the Cabinet. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Other important limitations are that, although the Prime Minister is entitled to advise the President on 9 Senate appointments under section 64(1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 b), the Leader of the Opposition also has a right to nominate 8 under section 64(1}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 c). That this is a separa te function from the Prime Minister's normal function is emphasised by the fact that in one set of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16340195\charrsid7633794 circumstances}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 and one only}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 - is the Prime Minister entitled to take over the role of the Leader of the Opposition. That is when the position of Leader of the Opposition (a Presidential}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appointment under section 82) is vacant. In the face of that pattern, it would be odd if, when the position is not vacant, the Prime Minister could in effect take over the Leader of the Opposition's role by insisting on the righ t to nominate some Senators under section 64(1)(c).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The pattern of sharing and limitations is to be seen also in other roles that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2313244\charrsid7633794 are allotted. Thus, while the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Leader of the Opposition has the right to advise on 8 Senate appointments under section 64(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 ) (}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 c), he or she is restricted by section 64(2). It is convenient to interpose at this point that, although section 64(2) contains the word "must", it cannot apply if}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 no party other than the Prime Minister's party has at least 10% of the total membership of the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 House. In such }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 circumstances,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 we would agree with Mr. Patel that the Leader of the Opposition would have a discretion, in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13706808\charrsid7633794 exercise of which section 99(4)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 would of course be relevant. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Tracing the pattern further, it is to be noted that only in one situation do the linked}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 sections treat the existence of a coalition government as relevant. This is the situation covered by section 99(8). The plain inference is that in no other situation are the legal rights affected by}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the existence for the time being of a coalition. This is understandable, as coalitions may be}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 transitory. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 One last observation should be made about the pattern. It is assumed by section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 99 that the Prime Minister }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 has a party: see subsections (6), (7), (8) and (9). The Constitutio}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 n does not actually so require. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 It is enough that he or}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 she be a member of the House of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Representatives. But the Constitution has been drawn up with an eye to political realities and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 likelihoods. The construction to be placed on it in accordance with its spirit should not be dominated or heavily influenced by the possibility of circumstances which the framers may have}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 dismissed as highly improbable. The ordinary and appropriate inference from section 99(6) to (9) inclusive }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 that in the other provisions of these two linked sections (sections 64 and 99) a reference to parties does not include the Prime Minister's own party. His own party is within the scope of a provision only when expressly brought in by the terms of that provision. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Once the spirit, object and pattern of the provisions are considered together }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 with the words that have to be }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 interpreted, the true meaning becomes clear enough. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 The crucial words are "parties to be invited to participate in the Cabinet under section 99", which are to be found in section 64(2), and " the Prime Minister must invite all parties whose membership in the House of Represen}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794 tatives comprises at least 10%}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 of the total membership of the House", which are to be found in section 99(5). }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Although it is not impossible to speak of a Prime Minister as inviting his own party to participate in his Cabinet, that would be in the political context a somewhat}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 unusual mode of expression. It would be more natural and normal to speak, as we think section}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 99 does, of the Prime Minister as establishing (or forming) his Cabinet and inviting}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 representatives of other parties to join it. The provisions about inviting are capable, if only just}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 capable, of more than one meaning. But to treat them as allowing the Prime Minister to invite his or her o wn party would distort the pattern and assign to the Prime Minister a share of power}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 greater than is to be expected in this Constitution. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 HYPERLINK http://Court.is }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12934427\charrsid7633794 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b2200000068007400740070003a002f002f0063006f007500720074002e00690073002f0000000000000000000000006800}}}{\fldrslt { \cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7147466\charrsid7633794 Court}{\cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 is}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 satisfied that the concept of power sharing in the Constitution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 requires i nvitations to the Cabinet, and consequently in effect to the Senate, to be issued to parties with at least 10% of House membership, other than the Prime Minister's own party. His own party is protected by his rights to establish his Cabinet (subject alway s to the principles in section 99) and to secure 9 Senate appointments. Invitations are to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2377325\charrsid7633794 be issued }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2377325\charrsid7633794 across}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2377325\charrsid7633794 political}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 lines. There is insufficient reason for excluding from the required invitations a coalition party such as FAP. Applying t his interpretation, the result if appointments were made according to current membership of the House of Representatives would be that the Senate would consist of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13830471\charrsid7633794 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9989989 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 14 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Senators appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9989989 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 9 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appoi nted by the President on th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 e advice of the Prime Minister; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9989989 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 8 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appointed by the President on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, of which FAP may nominate 5 and SVT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 3;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9989989 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 1 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Rotuma. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7301991\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Relating what we have said to the questions in section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2377325\charrsid7633794 C (}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 1) of the statement of agreed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2377325\charrsid7633794 facts and issues (Appendix C), }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the answer to (a) is the meaning there specified in (ii). The answer to (b) is No.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8993593\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 That disposes of the main questions in both the origi nal reference and the enlarged reference. We now turn to the other questions. For their numbering it is convenient to continue to use that in the agreed statement of facts and issues. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Presidential Advice \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Paragraph C2 of the agreed statement of facts and issues poses this question }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \endash }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9989989 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13830471\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 WHETHER}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 President i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13972878\charrsid7633794 s required to appoint Senators}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 on the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 advice of the Leader of the Opposition under section 64(1}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2377325\charrsid7633794 ) (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 c), if he is of the opinion that the advice does not comply with the relevant provision of the Constit ution Amendment Act 1997}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13830471\charrsid7633794 ."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 As to this, the Constitution is the supreme law of the State: section 2(1). All are subject to it -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. The President, like all others, must act in accordance with the Constitution. What does this mean in the circumstances with which section} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 64 deals? \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The Constitution prescribes some situations in which the President is expressly empowered to act in his own judgment: the appointment of the Prime Minister (section 98) and the appointme nt of the Leader of the Opposition (section 82) are such situations. Absent such a provision, the President acts "only on the advice of the Cabinet or a Minister or of some other}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 body or authority prescribed by this Constitution for a particular purpose as the body or authority on whose advice the President acts in that case": section 96(1). \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The words "body or authority" are words of wide import. Clearly they include the Bose Levu Vakaturaga advising under section 64(1)(a) and the Council of Rotuma advisin g under section 64(1)(d). And, in our view, they are wide enough to include the Prime Minister}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 advising under section 64(1)(b) and the Leader of the Opposition advising under section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 64(1)(c). \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 But the body or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 authority}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 tendering }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the advice is itself bound by the Constitution. If the advice does not conform to a constitutional imperative such as section 64(2), the purported tendering of advice neither compels nor authorises the President to act in accordance with its terms. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The President's power to make an appointment under section 64(1)(c) is conditioned by the receipt; of advice from the Leader of the Opposition, given in accordance with section 64(2). The President is entitled, before acting on that advice, to be satisfied that it accords with that prov ision. He may }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 choose}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 to do so by himself obtaining advice; this is what happened in the present case. That is a matter for the President. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 If the President is not satisfied that the appointments which he is advised by the Leader of the Opposition to make under section 64(1)(c) accord with s}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 ection 64(2), the President may }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 deem it prudent to decline to act on that advice for the time being. The President may then take such steps as he or she deems necessary to secure the tendering of advice in accordance with}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 that provision, including the seeking of Cabinet advice to refer the question to this Court under section 123. That is what the President did in the present case. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Relating what we have said in this part of our reasons to question C2, the answer is: "No - the position is as we have explained." \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Time for Appointments \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Question C3 reads }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \endash }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9989989 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 WHETHER}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 any appointment by the President under section 64, which depends on the number of seats in the House of Representatives held by a parry, should be stayed if there is a question as to the membership of the House of Representatives at the time of the appoi ntment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The Parliament of the Republic of the Fiji Islands consists of the President, the House of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14029420\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Representatives and the Senate (section 45). The House of Representatives consists of 71 elected members (section 50) and the Senate consists of 32 appointe d members (section 64(1)). As the term of the Senate expires on the expiry of the House of Representatives or its earlier dissolution (section 66), and as membership of parties i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4740389\charrsid7633794 n the House determines the make-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 up of the persons proposed for appointment to the Senate by the Leader of the Opposition (section 64(2), the appointment of Senators by the President under section 64(1)(c) necessarily}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 follows}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 upon a general election of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 members o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 f the House of Representatives. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The Constitution contemplates, but do es not require, that the appointment of Senators will take place before the time when the Parliament is summoned by the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3941714\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 President to meet. Section 68 provides that the Parliament is to be summoned to meet not later than 30 days after the last day of polling. When}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 the polls are declared after a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 general election, .the membership of the House of Representatives is known, subject to any decision by the High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns that a person's election as a member was invalid (see sect ion 73). When the membership of the House of Representatives is known, the number of members in each of the respective parties is known or can be ascertained, albeit membership of a party can change whether by a member's joining that party or by a member' s resignation from it (perhaps with consequent vacating of the member's seat under section 71(1)(g)) or by vacation of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 member's seat, whether by a determination by the Court of Disputed Returns that the member's election was invalid or otherwise under s ection 71(1). Such a determination might not occur before the Parliament has met, since a petition disputing an election can be brought at any time within 6 weeks of the declaration of the poll or even later if corrupt practice is alleged: section 73(3). \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 In determining which parties are "entitled to be invited to participate in the Cabinet" for the purposes of section 64(2) and the size of the membership to which those parties}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 are entitled in the House of Representatives, the Leader of the Opposition and t he President must have regard to the position of the parties and their members on a particular date. Should that date be, for instance, the date of declaration of the poll, the last declaration of a poll or the return of the writs? Those are dates when th e membership of the House of Representatives}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9989989\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 becomes known, but, in the political activity that leads to the establishment of a Cabinet under section 99, party membership may change in a way that would affect the allocation of nominees under section 64(2). The authority of the Leader of the Opposition to advise the President under section 64(1)(c) and the President's power to make appointments on the advice given under that paragraph must be validly exercised, and it is difficult to see how that authority a nd that power would be validly exercised if the identity of the persons proposed for appointment were based on figures which were not accurate at the time when the advice was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 tendered. The language of section 64(2), which directs the Leader of the Oppositio n to tender advice on the footing of the proportions of party membership, is in the present tense ("as is proportionate") and that requires reference to the proportions current at the time when the advice is tendered. Where the existence of a power depend s upon the existence of prescribed circumstances, the validity of its exercise at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 a particular time ordinarily depends on the existence of prescribed circumstances at that time: see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Esber v. The Commonwealth}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5394083\charrsid7633794 (1992) 174 CL}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10771843\charrsid7633794 R 430 at. pp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 440, 448.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10771843\charrsid7633794 Similarly, when the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 circumstances governing the authority of the Leader of the Opposition to advise the President under section 64(1)(c) are the membership of the House of Representatives and the member}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 ship of the respective parties, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the relevant time for ascertaining those memberships would ordinarily}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 be the time when the advice is tendered. We do not need to consider the situation that would}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 arise if a material change in membership of the House or a party were to occur or to be predictably imminent after the Leader of the Opposition has tendered advice and before the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 President has acted on that advice. No considered submissions were directed to this question. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 If that advice be validly tendered and the President acts upon it, it is immaterial}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 that at some later time the membership of the House of Representatives or of the parties in that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 House vary. Once the power to appoint is exercised on validly given advice and the appo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15932321\charrsid7633794 intees accept appointment, they}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 are and remain members of the Senate until the Senate's term expires}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 or until earlier vacation of the Senator's place by reason of any of the circumstances set out in section 71(2). It is immaterial that, after the appointment of Senators under section 64(1)(c) is effected, the Court of Disputed Returns decl ares that the election of a member of the House of Representatives was invalid or that the place of a member of the House becomes vacant for some other reason. Until an election is declared to be invalid by the Court, the declaration of the poll and the r eturn of the writ giving effect to that declaration are effective to entitle the person returned to be treated as a member of the House of Representatives.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Section 64 is designed to secure the composition of the Senate as an appointed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Chamber. Its reference to section 99 is not for the purpose of keeping the appointees under}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 section 64(1)(c) in some continuing proportion to the party membership in the House but for the purpose of providing a criterion for the single exercise by the Leader of the Opposition of his or her authority to advise the President under section 64(1)(c).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 In the present case, advice under section 64(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 (c) has not yet been tendered validly. When the Leader of the Opposition proposes to tender advice in accordance with the principles ex pressed by this Court in its opinion, he or she must have regard to the state of the parties at that time.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Apart from what we have said already, we note that question C3 is expressed in rather general terms. It is not possible to answer question C3 in the absence of sufficient}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 particulars or clarification of the kind of "questions as to the membership" to which the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 question refers. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The Added Questions \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 We now deal with the questions proposed on behalf of the SVT and FAP }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5723887\charrsid7633794 which}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 were incorporated in the enl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 arged reference.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid359496\charrsid7633794 Questions D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 1 to D5 inclusive do not require separate answers, being covered by our previous answers to questions C1 and 2, and more particularly by our reasons appearing under the heading }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The True Interpretation of the Rights regarding Senate Appointments. \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Question D6 is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \endash }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10965653\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1729561 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Should any appointment by the President under section 64, following a general election be deferred until the total membership of the House of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 Representati}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ves is fully resolved?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 As we have explained when dealing with question C2 under the heading Presidential Advice, appointments to the Senate are to be made by the President under section 64 following advice complying with the Constitution from the appropriate persons entitled to tender the advice - that is to say, th e Bose Levu Vakaturaga, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Council of Rotuma, and, if the position of Leader of the Opposition is vacant, the Prime Minister in that role. After receipt of such advice in each instance the President is to make the appointment to which the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1596091\charrsid7633794 advice relates. Appointments on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the advice of the Base Levu Vakaturaga, the Prime Minister and the Council of Rotuma are not dependent on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4792050\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 rights to participate in the Cabinet; it would not ordinarily be appropriate to defer them by reason of some doubt as -to the total membership of the House. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The answer to question D6 is accordingly No. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4792050\charrsid7633794 Question }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 D7 is }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \endash }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1729561 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Was the Proclamation issued by the President dated the 21st day of May 199}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15626192\charrsid7633794 9 convening meeting of both H}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ouses on the 14th day of June constitutional in the absence of appointment of the eight(8) nominee of the Leader of the Opposition as Senators?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 By section 68(1) of the Constitution, after a general election of members of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 House of Representatives, the Parliament is summoned to meet by the President on the advice of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11087485\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the Prime Minister not less than 30 days after the last day of polling. This is not dependent on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appointment of the Leader of the Opposition's Senate nominees. Nor would the functioning of the Parliament be rendered legally impossible by any delay or failure in the process of their}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1729561\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 nomination. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The answer to question D7 is accordingly Yes. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Question D8 reads - \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 In extending the invitation to join a multiparty Cabinet to a political party under the provisions of section 99(5) of the Constitution, does the Prime Minister have power to withdraw the invitation in the absence of the Invited Party declining the said invitation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7233458 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7233458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7233458\charrsid7233458 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7233458 The invited party must be entitled to a reasonable time for accepting or declining the invitation. The Prime Minister is not entitled to withdraw the invitation during that time but may do so when that time has elapsed without accep tance. In a case of doubt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4073441 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7233458 it may be appropriate for the Prime Minister to specify a reasonable time. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Question D8 is so answered. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Question D9 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12805091 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1015370 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Whether upon the fac}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 ts adduced herein the SVT Party:}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1015370 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 (a) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 have declined the said invitation to join the multiparty Cabinet; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 (b) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 have not declined t }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 he invitation to join the multi-}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 p}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 arty Cabinet;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 We understand "the facts adduced herein" to direct attention particularly to a letter dated 20 May 1999 from the then Leader of SVT to the Prime Minister}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 . The body of the letter reads-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Dear Prime Minister \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 On}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 behalf of the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei, I thank you for your}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6312980\charrsid7633794 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 gracious invitation dated 19th May 1999, to us to be}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 part of the multi-party Cabinet. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 W}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 e have discussed the invitation and because of our role in the development of our Constitution, we have decided to accept the invitation on the following conditions: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 1. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Hon Maj}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 o}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 r General Sitivent Rabuka to be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Fijian Affairs. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6312980\charrsid7633794 2. Ratu}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Inoke Kubuabola to be the Minister of Works and Communications \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 3. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 That you allot two (2) other Ministries to our parry. That means a total of four (4) Cabinet positions. These two other positions will exclude Honourable Jim Ah Koy and Honourable Savenaca Tokainavo who have decided to remain engaged in the private sector. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 4. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 That of the nine (9) appointees to the Senate that you will be making, three (3) of them are to be from the SVT Party Leader. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 5. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9714725\charrsid7633794 That }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 all the SVT government's appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners overseas are to remain to complete their terms. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 6. All the SVT government}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 appointments to statutory and state-owned enterprise boards are to also remain to complete their terms of appointment \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9714725 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 We look forward to your response.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 "}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16582224\charrsid7633794 hese were clearly conditions whi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 ch the Prime Minister, acting reasonably, was not bound to accept. The Constitution does not provide for an acceptance qualified in this way. In the circumstances, what purported to be a conditional acceptance amounted to a declining of the invitation. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The answer to question D9 is accordingly that specified in the question as (a). \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16603254 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 Question D 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 0 does not require an answer, in the light of our answer to question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 D9. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Question E}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1340382\charrsid7633794 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13830471 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13830471\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16603254 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13830471\charrsid7633794 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 1. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 What should have been the composition of the list of nominees for appointment to the Senate that the Leader of Opposition submitted to the President on 7th and 10th June 1999. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 This question appears to relate to certain correspondence between the Leader of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 the Opposition and the President over the period 7 to 11 June 1999. It is unnecessary for us to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 reproduce this correspondence. It is enough to say that the positions taken at that stage on both sides of the correspondence were based on erroneous interpretations of the Constitution.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16603254\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 reasons why both views were erroneous appear from the part of the present opinion headed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The True Interpretation of the Rights regarding Senate Appointments.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 The answer to question El is that the list should have been composed of FAP nominees and SVT nominees in proportion to the numbers of those parties in the House at that time. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Before parting with this case Court wishes to underline the obvious point that while we have dealt with all the questions referred to us, these q uestions and what we have said in dealing with them are naturally not exhaustive of issues that could arise from the relevant provisions of the Constitution. A Constitution may have to be applied in very varying circumstances. Unforeseen problems can be e n countered. Our reasoning is binding in disposing of the issues to which it is addressed, as we have explained, but of course it will not necessarily cover eventualities with which the Court has not been asked to deal. It is to be expected, however, that t h e reasoning set out in this opinion, in identifying some key features of the Constitution, will provide a guide useful in determining other issues that, from time to time, may call for the true interpretation of the Constitution in the light of its terms, purpose and spirit. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 As stated at the outset, the foregoing reasons comprise the unanimous opinion of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8937231\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 this Court. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13795172\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13795172\charrsid7633794 Sir Timoci Tuivaga}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Lord Cooke of Thorndon \par Sir Anthony Mason \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12805091 Sir Gerard Brennan}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12395980\charrsid7633794 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Justice John Toohey \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12805091 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13795172\charrsid7633794 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7536991 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Solicitors: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Office of the Attorney-General C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13795172\charrsid7633794 hambers, Suva for the Applicant \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Messrs. Tuberi Chambers, Suva, Bulewa and Company, Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13795172\charrsid7633794 , \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Jai Ram Reddy, Lautoka and B. C. Patel and Associates, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 New }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Zealand for the 1st Respondent \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3701818\charrsid7633794 Haroon Ali}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Shah Esq., Lautoka f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 or the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15539032 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15539032\charrsid15539032 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16542174\charrsid7633794 Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 \par Sir Vijay R. Singh and Company, Sigatoka for the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15539032 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15539032\charrsid15539032 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7633794\charrsid7633794 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5719211\charrsid7633794 Respondent \par }}