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 most attractive sentences are, perhaps, not the wisest, but the surest and roundest. They are spoken firmly and conclusively, as if the speaker had a right to know what he says, and if not wise, they have at least been well learned.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Turn back. Turn, young lady dear
A murderer’s house you enter here
I was wooed and won little bird”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)