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\par AT SUVA
\par (ORIGINAL JURISDICTION)
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 MISCELLANEOUS NO.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 1 OF 2001S
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 THE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 MATTER}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 OF}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 SECTION 123 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555 OF THE CONSTITUTION
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 AMENDMENT ACT 1997
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 THE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 MATTER}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 OF}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 A REFERENCE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 FOR AN OPINION BY}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESI}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555 DENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
ISLANDS}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 ON THE INTERPRETATION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 OF}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 SECTIONS}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 64 AND 99}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 OF THE CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT ACT 1997
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 MAHENDRA PAL CHAUDHRY
\par 2)}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 PREM SINGH
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 [INTERESTED PARTIES]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par Coram:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Hon. Sir Timoci Tuivaga, President of Supreme Court
\par Hon. Sir Moti Tikaram, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Rt. Hon. Sir Thomas Eichelbaum, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Hon. Sir Arnold Amet, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Hon. Patu Falefatu Maka Sapolu, Judge of Supreme Court
\par 
\par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Tuesday, 12 March 2002, Suva
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Qoriniasi Bale (Attorney-General), Savenaca Banu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 ve,
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Sainivalati Navoti and Nehla Basawaiya for the President
\par George Williams, Gyaneshwar Prasad Lala, Varun Shandil
\par and Neel Shivam for the 1st Interested Party [Mahendra Pal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Chaudhry]
\par No Appearance for the 2nd Interested Party [Prem Singh]
\par 
\par Date of Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Friday, 15 March 2002
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 DISSENTING OPINION OF AMET JSC}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
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\par I have had the advantage of reading the opinion of the majority. I agree with that opinion in respect of Reference Questions 1, 2 and 5. However, with respect, I propose a different opinion in respect of Questions 3 and 4.
\par 
\par A good starting point in the task of interpretation of a provision of an autochthonous constitution is to look to the constitution itself for any specific guide
lines it may give, before resorting to the conventional methods of statutory interpretation. If there are specific provisions then they should be given pre-eminence.
\par 
\par In the Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands of 1997, enacted by Constitution Amendment Act \endash  13 of 1997, sections 3, 6 and 7 provide such specific guidelines for interpretation of provisions of the Constitution. 
\par 
\par Section 3 states that in interpreting a provision of the Constitution:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1536\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 (a) \tab }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 a construction that would promote the purpo
se 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 not promote that purpose or object; and 
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\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1536\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (b)\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 regard must be had to the context in which this Constitutio
n was drafted and to the intention that constitutional interpretation take into account social and cultural developments}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
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\par Chapter 2 which is headed \'93Compact\'94, lists in sections 6 the principles which the conduct of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 government is}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 to}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
be based on, and section 7(2) directs that in the interpretation of the Constitution consideration must be given to those principles, when relevant.
\par 
\par Relevant parts of section 6 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 state the following principles:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1008\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1008\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (h)\tab 
 in the formation of a government, and in that government\rquote s conduct of the affairs of the nation through the promotion of legislation or the implementation of administrative policies, full account is taken of the interests of all communities;

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1008\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1008\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 (i}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 ) \tab to the extent that the interests of different communities are seen to conflict, all the interested parties negotiate in good faith in an endeavour to reach agreement;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1008\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1008\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (l) \tab 
the equitable sharing of political power amongst all communities in Fiji is matched by an equitable sharing of economic and commercial power to ensure that all communities fully benefit from the nation\rquote s economic progress.\rquote 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par The previous opinion of this Court in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 The President of the Republic of Fiji .v. Inoke Kubuabola and Ors \endash  Supreme Court Misc. No. 1/1999 (the 1999 Supreme Court Opinion),}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555  amply articulated the purpose and objective underlying sections 64 and 99, the same provisions under consideration in this reference.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 This was further affirmed in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Mahendra Pal Chaudary v. Laisenia Qarase and Ors \endash 
 Misc.No. 1/2001 (the 2002 Court of Appeal Opinion).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par I am content to quote from the Supreme Court Opinion as what the Court said is entirely apposite to the task of interpretation in this reference. At page 6 the Court said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 \'93}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
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}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 \'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par Then at pages 8 to 12 under the heading \lquote The True Interpretation of the Rights regarding Senate Appointments\rquote , the Court said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 \'93
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 to be shared equi
t
ably amongst all communities: section 6(l). By section 99(3) 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 pr
esent reference, it must be given particular weight in resolving any ambiguity or deciding which of a number of possible interpretations must be adopted.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par After quoting section 3(a) the Court continued at page 9:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
It follows that there is a distribution of political power quite different from that which may be familiar under a traditional Westminster pattern. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 . Political power is divided among groups, persons and parties; the share of each is in some way limited.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 The pattern i
s apparent when one looks at sections 64 and 99. For example, 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 Counci
l of Chiefs is 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 }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
So, too, there are limitations on the Prime Minister\rquote s power. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 .. By section 99(3) he or she must establish multi-party Cabinet }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f3\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 . In particular, in establishing the Cabinet the Prime Minister by section 99(5) is required to invite qualified part
ies (as there described) to participate; and this links with sections 64(1)(c) and (2) whereunder Senate appointments flow from the rights of parties to be invited to participate in the Cabinet.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
Other important limitations are that, although the Prime Minister is entitled to advise the President on the 9 Senate appointments under section 64(1)(b), the Leader of the Opposition also has a right to nominate 8 under section 64(1)(c).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
The pattern of sharing and limitations is to be seen also in
 other roles that are allotted. Thus, while the Leader of the Opposition has the right to advise on 8 Senate appointments under section 64(1)(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 words \'93must\'94, it cannot apply if no party other the Prime Minister\rquote 
s party has at least 10% of the total membership of the House. In such circumstances we would agree with Mr. Patel that the Leader of the Opposition would have a discretion in the exercise of which section 99(4) would of course be relevant. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
Once the spirit, objective and pattern of the provisions are considered together with words that have to be interpreted, the true meaning becomes clear enough.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Question 3}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Where as in this case, only one party was entitled under the requirements of secti
on 99(5) to be considered by the Leader of the Opposition in determining his nominations to the President under section 64(2) of the Constitution:
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi11\li709\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (a)\tab 
 Is that party entitled to all eight of the nominations which the Leader of Opposition is required to submit to the President under section 64(1)(c)? or,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi11\li709\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 (b) }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Is that \'93entitled party\'94 entitled only to the number of nominees which equates to its size in the House of Representative?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Question 4}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 If Question 3(b) above is answered in the affirmative, then how many of the 8 seats ought 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 I allocate to the only \'93entitled party\'94 under section 64(2), and how ought I allocate the remaining seats?}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par Section 64 provides how the Senate is to be constituted:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi288\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (1)\tab 
The Senate consists of 32 members, of whom:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2448\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\faauto\rin1440\lin2448\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (a)\tab 
14 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2448\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\faauto\rin1440\lin2448\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 (b)\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 9 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1728\tx2088\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2448\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\faauto\rin1440\lin2448\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (c)\tab 
8 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2448\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\faauto\rin1440\lin2448\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (d)\tab 
1 is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Rotuma.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1008\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1008\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (2)\tab 
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 appointment under paragraph (1)(c) and, in tendering advice to the President pursuant to that paragraph, the Leader o
f 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\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1008\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1008\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (3)\tab 
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 Opposition is vacant, the Prime Minister must adopt the role of the Leader of the Opposition under subsection (2) in tendering adv
ice to the President as to the 8 persons proposed for appo}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 intment under paragraph (1)(c).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1008\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin1008\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 (4)\tab 
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 election to the House of Representatives.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par I
n applying the principles of power sharing that have inspired these provisions, and taking into account the spirit of the Constitution, having further regard to the social and cultural context in which it was drafted, what should the true interpretation b
e that best promotes that purpose and objective.
\par 
\par Is it to be the interpretation advocated by learned Counsel for Mr. Chaudary, which would result in only parties who are entitled to be invited to participate in Cabinet, pursuant to section 99(5), having 
the privilege of nominating persons to the Leader of Opposition for his advice to the President to be appointed Senators under section 64(1)(c), whatever the proportion of their membership in the House of Representatives may be; or is it to be an interpre
tation which would accord with the position taken by the then Leader of Opposition in his advice to the President, which would result in an \'93entitled party or parties\'94
 only being entitled to nominate candidates in proportion to the size of their respective membership in 
the House of Representatives? Which interpretation would best promote the spirit of multi-party government and the purpose and objective of sharing of power?
\par 
\par The interpretation that only \'93entitled party or parties\'94 are entitled to nominate 
for the 8 Senate seats that the Leader of Opposition is to advise on, could conceivably result in only parties who are part of Cabinet dominating Senate and thus government. This would be because the Leader of Opposition would have no discretionary abilit
y to nominate candidates who represent other minor parties in opposition or indee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 d from the community generally.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par The interpretation that accords with the view taken by the Leader of Opposition accords with the
 general spirit of the Constitution that government power is to be shared by as wide a cross-section of political parties as possible and in the case of the Senate, indeed, as wide a cross-section of the community as possible. This interpretation would fi
rst accord with the requirement of section 64(2) that the \lquote entitled party or parties\rquote 
 would be given first preference to nominate candidates in proportion to their membership in the House of Representatives, and then the Leader of Opposition would have the 
same discretion as the Great Council of Chiefs, the Prime Minister and the Council of Rotuma in nominating whoever else in his absolute discretion, subject only to section 64(4), to fill the balanc}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 
e of the 8 seats as may remain.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par This, in my respectful op
inion, is the meaning that is intended by section 64, read as a whole, together with section 99. It, in my opinion, best promotes the spirit of the Constitution, and achieves the purposes and objectives of power sharing in government.
\par 
\par The composition of t
he Senate is intended to be far more broadly community based. As will be noted the members nominated by the Great Council of Chiefs constitute the largest single group who are non-political party partisan. The Great Council of Chiefs have the widest possi
ble discretion to nominate for membership of the Senate, subject only to section 64(4), as membership of Senate is not intended to be political party partisan. In my respectful opinion, this is to demonstrate the}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555  full meaning of power sharing.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par In like ma
nner, the Prime Minister is also enabled fully discretion as to whom he may nominate for appointment under his power, subject only to section 64(4). The Council of Rotuma is also unrestricted, except by section 64(4), in its discretion to nominate its sin
gle candidate.
\par 
\par The essence of this interpretation is that the Leader of Opposition retains the qualified discretion at all times as to whomever-else he may nominate in his advice to the President.
\par 
\par The 1999 Supreme Court Opinion in fact acknowledged this discretion in the eventuality that there were no \'93entitled party of parties\'94 who should be given first preference to nominate candidates for appointment to the Senate.
\par 
\par It is conceivable that an entitled party or parties, either in governm
ent or not, may elect not to nominate persons for appointment to the Senate. Is the Leader of the Opposition to be denied any discretion to nominate candidates for the Senate, from either other minor parties or the community at large? I think not. This wo
uld result in section 64(2) being applied in a most impractical way.
\par 
\par I prefer an interpretation that is sensible, reasonable and which gives greater effect to and promotes the purposes and objectives of power sharing in government. This is that an \'93entitle party or parties\'94
 is or are not entitled to all 8 of the nominations which the Leader of Opposition is required to submit to the President under section 64(1)(c). Their preferential entitlement under section 64(2) is subject to and \'93is proportionate to th
e size of the membership of those parties in the House of Representatives.\'94
\par 
\par If that proportional entitlement results in less than the full 8 nominations available to the Leader of the Opposition, then he or she has the discretion to nominate the balance, 
in the same way as the Great Council of Chiefs, the Prime Minister and the Council of Rotuma.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx6120\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
I repeat that it is conceivable that the \'93entitled party or parties\'94 may elect not to nominate a candidate or candidates.
\par 
\par The result of this proportional interpretation is that the \lquote entitled party or parties\rquote 
 shall be entitled to the proportion of the 8 seats available to the Leader of the Opposition according to the size of their membership in the House of Representatives. 
\par 
\par In my respectful opinion the interpretation and advice given by the Leader of the Opposition to His Excellency the President is consistent with my opinion. His Excellency the President appeared to accede to that advice and not the contr
ary advice by Mr. Chaudary. The Constitution should be capable of being so understood by lay people reasonably and sensibly as to its m}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4666555 eaning, effect and application.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par 
\par I apply this interpretation to the issues posed by Questions 3 and 4 in this way. The FLP obtained 27 seats which equates to 38% of the total number of seats in House of Representatives, and as an \lquote entitled party\rquote 
 it is only entitled to 38% of the 8 Senate seats available to the Leader of the Opposition to advise the President to appoint, wh
ich works out to 3.04 seats which the Leader of the Opposition generously rounded off to 4 seats. The Leader of Opposition was then entitled to nominate for the remaining 4 seats from whom-so-ever he chose.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Hon. Sir Arnold Amet}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Judge of Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx288\tx1008\tx1728\tx2448\tx3168\tx3888\tx4608\tx5328\tx6048\tx6768\tx7488\tx8208\tx8928\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4666555 {\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Solicitors:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid600849\charrsid4666555 Office of the Solicitor General for the President
\par G P Lala & Associates, for M P Chaudhry, First Interested Party
\par }}