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)
“There is also this benefit in brag, that the speaker is unconsciously expressing his own ideal. Humor him by all means, draw it all out, and hold him to it.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“If you follow the suburban fashion in building a sumptuous- looking house for a little money, it will appear to all eyes as a cheap, dear house.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)