In Fiji, the suspended opposition MP Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu retains his seat in the Fijian Parliament despite his two year suspension.
FBC news reports section 63 of the Constitution sets out the conditions under which a seat becomes vacant in Parliament.
These include death, resignation from Parliament and the Political Party, is absent from 2 consecutive Parliament sittings without permission from the Speaker and expulsion.
The Parliament Secretary General Viniana Namosimalua clarified, that a suspension does not necessarily mean a vacation of seat.
However, she confirms, Ratu Naiqama will not be paid during the two years.
Section 16 of the Parliamentary Remunerations Decree stipulates that if a member is suspended from Parliament, the member will not be paid any salary or benefit for the period of suspension.