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\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI ISLANDS
\par AT SUVA
\par ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
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IN THE MATTER of a Reference By the President for an Opinion On Questions as to the Effect of Section 99 of the Constitution
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 by His Excellency the President of Fiji for an opinion on questions relating to the interpretation of Section 99 of the Constitution Amendment Act 1997
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\par }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 First Interested Party
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\par Coram:\tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Hon Justice Daniel Fatiaki, President of Supreme Court
\par Rt Hon Thomas Gault, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Hon Justice Keith Mason, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Hon Justice Robert French, Judge of Supreme Court
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\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Tuesday, 11th May 2004, Suva
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\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630  Mr Stephen Gageler SC\tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 ]
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\par Ms Rakuita Vuniwaqa\tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630 \tab \tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 ]}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827\charrsid268630  }{
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\par Professor George Williams}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630 \tab \tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 ]
\par Mr Gyaneshwar Prasad Lala}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630 \tab \tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 ]}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827\charrsid268630  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 for the Second Interested
\par Ms Shoma Devan\tab \tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630 \tab }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 ]}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827\charrsid268630  }{
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}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Friday, 9th July 2004
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\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
The point on which I take a different view from the majority is one that formed no part of the case of either interested party, was the subject of no detailed submissions and, in my view, is unnecessa
ry to decide in order to resolve the dispute giving rise to the present Reference.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
It is therefore with reluctance that I write separately, but the majority find as part of their reasons an entitlement to include independent members of the House of Represe
ntatives and the Senate in a multi-party Cabinet in addition to representatives of qualified parties.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
I consider that to be inconsistent with the scheme and words of section 99 of the Constitution.
\par 
\par 2.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I consider that the answer to }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Question 1(2)}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  should be simply }{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93Yes\'94}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
 and that the answer to }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Question 1(3)}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  should be }{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93No\'94.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I agree with the majority\rquote 
s answers to }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Questions 2 }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 and}{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  3.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
\par 
\par 3.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 At issue is the correct construction of section 99 of the Constitution.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 It is unnecessary to repeat what has been said about the
 section and the applicable principles of constitutional construction in the previous opinions}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 and judgment of this Court.

\par 
\par 4.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Section 99 is set out in full in the reasons of the majority.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 It is the wording of the section, that must have primary focus.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I accept the correct approach is set out in}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 paras 62 
\endash  71 }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 of the Judgment}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 of the Court in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Qarase v Chaudhry }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 [2003] FJSC 1 }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 (
\lquote the 2003 Supreme Court Judgment\rquote }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 ), perhaps adding the following}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 comment of Kentridge AJ in }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 State v Zuma }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 1995 (4) B.C.L.R. 402, 412:
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid268630 \b\fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b0\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li864\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin864\itap0\pararsid12127827 {\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93I
f the language used by the lawgiver is ignored in favour of a general resort to \lquote values\rquote  the result is not interpretation but divination.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid268630 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12127827 {\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 5.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Section 3(b) of the Constitution directs that there is to be taken into account the context in which the Constitution was drafted..}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 With respect to section 99 material background includes that part of the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 (JPSC)}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  Report of 13 May 1997 quoted at }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 para 86}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  of the 2003 Supreme Court Judgment and the changes made to the Bill at the Commi
ttee stage, particularly the increase in the threshold membership of the House from 4% to 10% as qualifying for representation in the Cabinet.
\par 
\par 6.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Also material, by virtue of section 7(2), is the principle set out in section 6(1) of equitable sharing of political power.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 As was said in }{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 President of the Republic}{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  }{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 of Fiji}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Islands}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 v}{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Kubuabola}{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 [1999]}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 FJSC 8}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 (\lquote the 1999 Supreme Court Opinion\rquote ):}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 A key concept embodied in the Constitution is power sharing\'94.}{
\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
\par }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
\par 7.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Adopting the explanatory analysis of section 99 set out in the 2003 Supreme Court Judgment }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 (paras 98\endash 115)}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
, I begin by viewing the subsections of section 99 as a whole to discern the general scheme and purpose of their provisions.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
First, the obligation is upon the Prime Minister to establish a multi-party Cabinet.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 That is to be done }{
\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 in the way set out in}{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 the section\'94.}{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 That suggests that }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 all}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  of the ministerial positions are to be filled in the way set out in the section.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 The Cabinet is to be composed of (not merely contain), as far as possible, fair representati
on of the parties represented in the House.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 That must include }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 all}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  parties, subject to their meeting the threshold of 10% of seats in the House of Representatives.
\par 
\par 8.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Subsections (5) to (9) set out the way in which that is achieved.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 They are drawn in some detail to establish and maintain [except in the circumstances covered by subsection (8)] the proportions in which the qualifying parties are to participate.

\par 
\par 9.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Subsection (5) contains two limbs.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 The first imposes the obligation to invite qualifying parties to be represented.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 The second states that the invitation is to be in respect of Cabinet representation for parties}{\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  \'93}{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 in proportion to their numbers in the House\'94.}{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
It is this second limb to which the questions posed in the Reference are directed.
\par 
\par 10. In the 1999 Supreme Court Opinion it was said that the parties to which invitations must be extended excludes the Prime Minister's party \endash  one does not usually invite oneself.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 But I do not understand the Court to have said that, under the second limb, in determining the proportion of ministerial places to be offered, the Prime Minister\rquote 
s party is to be disregarded.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 What the Court said was }{\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
\'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 His own party is within the scope of a provision [of section 99] only when expressly brought in by the terms of that provision\'94.}{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 That is exactly what subsection (7) does by expressly referring to the Prime Minister\rquote s party having an }{
\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 entitlement under subsection (5)\'94.}{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Subsections (6) and (8) also assume that to be the position.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Certainly it does not follow from the wording }{\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93}{
\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 in proportion to their numbers}{\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'94}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
 that the second limb is to be applied only to those parties invited under the first limb.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
It is quite normal usage for the word }{\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 their}{
\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'94}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  to include the initiator within an activity proposed to others; }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 eg}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  }{\i\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 \'93one of the group invit
ed the others to agree upon their shares.\'94}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
\par 
\par 11. As is stated in the reasons of the majority, the proportion to which a single qualifying party (other than the Prime Minister\rquote s party) is entitled under the second limb cannot be determined unless the number of seats held by the Prime Minister
\rquote s party is brought into consideration.
\par 
\par 12.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I do not accept that the Prime Minister\rquote 
s party is to be regarded as entitled under subsection (5), by inference, to all residual places in the Cabinet other than those the subject of invitations to qualifying parties.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 If that were the position subsections (6) and (8) would be unnecessary.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 It would be inconsistent with subsection (4) which, as stated, must refer to all parties.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Further, it would be incompatible with fair representation and equitable sharing of power.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 This can be demonstrated by an example in which, of the 71 seats in the House, the}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Prime Minister\rquote s party gains 26 and only one other party exceeds the 10% threshold and gains 24.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 The Prime Minister\rquote s party is able to form a Government with the support of parties having less than 10% of the seats.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 If the Prime Minister\rquote s party were entitled to the residue after the only other qualifying party\rquote 
s entitlement of one-third of the Ministerial positions, the Prime Minister\rquote s party would take double that number of positions.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 This would, in effect, apply the qualifying threshold only to parties not supporting the Prime Minister\rquote s party.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I find no justification for that in the section.
\par 
\par 13.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Accordingly, and in agreement with the majority, I am satisfied that the entitlement of the Prime Minister\rquote 
s party under subsection (5) must also be in proportion to its numbers in the House.
\par 
\par 14.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 The entitlements therefore fall to be determined by taking the number of seats in the House held
 by each qualifying party (whether or not in coalition with the Prime Minister\rquote s party) and the Prime Minister\rquote 
s party (assuming, as the section does, that the Prime Minister is a member of a party which has at least 10% of the seats in the House) and allocating ministerial places in the proportions those numbers bear to each other.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I emphasise that the ministerial positions are to be allocated in proportion to the }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 number}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827  of seats, not in proportion to the shares in the total number of seats in the House parties may hold.

\par 
\par 15.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
On this construction each of subsections (7), (8) and (9) follows logically and preserves the proportionality except where all other parties decline to be represented.
\par 
\par 16.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 In result this accords with the proposition in Question 1(2) of the Reference.
\par 
\par 17.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 As I apprehend, the position of independent members of the House of}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }
{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Representatives}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
and Senators has been brought in to open up a wider range of possibilities to meet an argument raised for the Prime Minister against the construction contended for on behalf of Mr Chaudhry.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 It was said that to construe section 99(5) as in the second alternative to the first Question could potentially result in a Government having a minority of positions in the Cabinet.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 The reasons of the majority, which
 I have read in draft, would overcome this by allowing the Prime Minister to select for inclusion in the Cabinet independent members of the House and Senators who are not members of a party but who have co-operative arrangements with the Prime Minister.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 This is regarded as not affecting the proportions of Cabinet places to which the qualified parties are entitled.
\par 
\par 18.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 There are four reasons why I am unable to concur in that reasoning.
\par 
\par 19.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 First, I consider the spectre of a Government with a minority in Cabinet as quite unreal.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
It verges on the absurd to suggest that a party leader could satisfy the President that he or she can form a Government when it is apparent that the coalition could not hold a majority of positions in the Cabinet.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Such a coalition could not govern and politicians would know that.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Accordingly it is not a scenario that section 99 needs to be construed to resolve.
\par 
\par 20.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Secondly, to hold that a Prime Minister may appoint to the Cabinet independents (or Senators) having a co-operative arra
ngement with his party is inconsistent with the scheme of section 99 and with the treatment of parties whose representation in the House is below the 10% qualifying threshold.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 A party having one seat and joining a coalition with the Prime Minister\rquote s party could not have a seat in the Cabinet except as part of the entitlement of the Prime Minister
\rquote s party [section 99(6)].}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
Whereas, on the reasoning of the majority, an independent with one seat, joining the coalition, can be given a Cabinet seat in addition to the entitlement of the Prime Minister\rquote s party.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 That is inconsistent with the 10% threshold requirement for participation in the Cabinet.
\par 
\par 21.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Thirdly, the requirements are that the entitlement is not just to Cabinet places in proportion to the }{
\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 number }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 of s
eats in the House [subsection (5)], but also to places which, so far as possible, fairly represent the parties\rquote  representation in the House [subsection (4)].}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 I do not see how it could be said that the appointment of sympathetic independents and Senators to
 a Cabinet, and particularly if by that a minority were converted into a majority, could be said to satisfy the second of those requirements.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
\par 
\par 22.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 Fourthly, there seems no justification for differentiating between Senators who happen to be members of poli
tical parties who, though eligible for Cabinet appointment under section 99(2), cannot be selected other than within a party entitlement, and those non-party members who, although equally supportive of the Prime Minister\rquote 
s party (why else would they be selected?) face no such limitation.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 
It is plain that section 99(2) provides a necessary but not sufficient eligibility for Cabinet appointment.
\par 
\par 23. It may be arguable, although in my view it is unnecessary to determine the point in the present case, that ind
ependents and Senators should be treated in the same manner as members of parties having representation in the House below the 10% qualifying threshold.}{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12127827  }{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid12127827 By analogy with section 99(6) they might be selected for Cabinet places as part of the entitlement of the Prime Minister\rquote s party.}{
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731 
\par }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid268630\charrsid12127827 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid268630 {\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Rt Hon Thomas Gault
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Judge of Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12127827 {\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Solicitors:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid268630 {\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 
\par Office of the Attorney-General, Suva for the First Interested Party
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12127827 {\b\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid12591731\charrsid268630 Messrs G P Lala and Associates, Suva for the Second Interested Party
\par }}