The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Fijian House of Representatives. At its first session following a general election, the House of Representatives elects a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker. With a view to ensuring impartiality, the Speaker is not allowed to be a member of the House, though he must qualify for membership. The Deputy Speaker, however, is elected from among members of the House.
The office of Speaker is an essential feature of the parliamentary system, and has proved to be the most durable of all the Westminster parliamentary traditions.
The following persons have held the office of Speaker:
| Order | Speaker | Term of office |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | R. D. Patel | 1972–1976 |
| 2. | Sir Vijay R. Singh | 1976–1977 |
| 3. | Mosese Qionibaravi | 1977–1982 |
| 4. | Tomasi Vakatora | 1982–1987 |
| 5. | Militoni Leweniqila | 1987 |
| vacant | 1987–1992 | |
| 6. | Dr. Apenisa Kurisaqila | 1992–2000 |
| vacant | 2000–2001 | |
| 7. | Ratu Epeli Nailatikau | 2001–2006 |
| 8. | Pita Nacuva | 2006 |
| vacant | 2006–present | |
Famous quotes containing the words speaker of, speaker and/or house:
“After my death I wish no other herald,
No other speaker of my living actions
To keep mine honor from corruption,
But such an honest chronicler as Griffith.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“The speaker in this case
is a middle-aged witch, me
tangled on my two great arms,
my face in a book
and my mouth wide,
ready to tell you a story or two.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)
“Ah, yet, ere I descend to the grave,
May I a small house and large garden have;
And a few friends, and many books, both true,
Both wise, and both delightful too!
And since love ne’er will from me flee,
A mistress moderately fair,
And good as guardian angels are,
Only beloved and loving me.”
—Abraham Cowley (1618–1667)