Fiji Parliament

Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua alleged that Bainimarama uttered words that are denigrating, humiliating to the Head of State and also as Commander-in-Chief when appealing to the rank and file of the RFMF which in view of Tikoduadua are highly seditious and disrespectful while dishonoring the dignity and bringing Parliament into disrepute which contravene the Parliamentary Standing Orders.

The Privileges Committee has to meet from later today and report back to Parliament on Friday.

The President of Fiji issued the proclamation informing political parties the first sitting following the 2022 general election would take place at 9.30am FJT.

This followed opposition parties announcing the formation of a coalition agreement, giving them a majority of seats in Parliament.

For the second time in the last 72 hours, cheers of joy erupted in the capital after the king-maker, Social Democratic Liberal Party (Sodelpa) announced it had joined forces with the People's Alliance (PA) - National Federation Party (NFP) bloc.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau ruled that an Oral Question from NFP leader Biman Prasad and an Adjournment Motion from Sodelpa leader Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu were not of urgent natures.

The deportation of the regional body's vice-chancellor has led to widespread regional criticism of Fiji's government and urgent calls for action.

However, speaker Ratu Epeli said Mr Prasad's question did not relate to a matter of public importance and did not qualify as urgent.

Further, the Adjournment Motion was disallowed under standing orders.

Meeting and March organizers will now only need to apply for a permit if they're planned for a public park or road.

Until now, a permit had also been required for gatherings held in community halls or any other public space.

Fiji Village reported the legislation would still allow the police to stop a meeting or procession if it was in the interest of law and order.

The Public Order Act was controversially amended in 2012 under the then military-led government.

Opposition figures criticised the changes, saying people were too fearful to attend meetings.