Fono Ekepule on a 13 week stand-down period after second reading of the constitution amendment bills was passed in parliament

The second reading of the four constitution amendment bills was passed yesterday in the sitting of the Niue Legislative Assembly or Fono Ekepule yesterday.

This will now allow for a 13 week stand-down period for public consultations and meetings before the bills are returned to the Assembly for the final reading. 

The Bills that pass the third and final reading will go to a public referendum scheduled for August this year. 

Despite much debate and discussions on the first bill to change the title of Premier to Prime Minister, votes came to 16 MPs in support and 3 opposed including Common Roll MP O’Love Tauveve Jacobsen. 

The second bill to increase the number of Cabinet Ministers from 4 to 6 was agreed by 14 MPs. The three members who opposed included Common Roll MPs O’Love Jacobsen, Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui and Member for Alofi North Tutuli Heka.

The third bill to increase the term of each Assembly from 3 to 4 years was also agreed by 14 MPS. The three opposition MPs included Common Roll MPs Jacobsen, Fakaotimanava-Lui and Member for Toi Dion Taufitu. 

The fourth bill to amend the reference in the Constitution of Audit Office to the Auditor-General was unanimously agreed by Members of Parliament.

For amendment bills 2 and 3, supporting MPs agreed to its immediate effect in the current 18th Niue Legislative Assembly.