Law making process in Parliament to reflect voice of the People: Vosarogo
The People’s Alliance (PA) will ensure that the process of which laws are passed in parliament reflects the voice of the people.
This was the assurance made by PA provisional candidate Filimoni Vosarogo during a campaign meeting at the Naveiwakau Methodist Church Hall in Valelevu, Nasinu on Monday night. Mr Vosarogo said the PA intends to be a government that
listens to the people.
He raised his concerns on how a number of Bills were swiftly passed in parliament through the guise of Standing Order 51. Standing Order 51 is a motion for Bill to proceed without delay which may be moved without notice; and shall be moved by the member moving the Bill.
“Many laws in parliament are passed by parliament the same week it is tabled and debated. Were you consulted? Was your voice ever heard?” Mr Vosarogo asked those present at the meet.
“One of the key cornerstones of a democratic society is Iaw making and the creation of laws is supposed to be for the people.
“It is not about the Government. It is for the people, that is why consultation is important because it affects us, the people.” He said a PA Government would review how laws were tabled, debated and passed.
“Before, when laws were passed, it goes through the first reading in parliament, a selected committee goes around Fiji, they come back, it goes through a second reading, before any more amendments are made then third and final reading in parliament. It would take months.
“Because when it is passed, it is a law that reflects the voices of the people.
“What you need is reflected in the law.
“We need to participate in our own government.”
He said this was something they would look at bringing back. He also made clear that the PA was not contesting the upcoming election to be in the opposition.