The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. It is the less powerful of the two chambers; it may not initiate legislation, but may amend or veto any legislation except financial bills. The built-in near-majority of Fijian chiefs in the Senate gives them an effective veto over contentious social legislation, as well as constitutional amendments. Senators, like their fellow-parliamentarians from the House of Representatives, may be appointed to the Cabinet - the executive arm of government.
The Senate has 32 members. Formally, they are appointed by the President, but the President is constitionally reqired to accept the nominees of the following institutions: 14 are chosen by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs), 9 by the Prime Minister, 8 by the Leader of the Opposition, and 1 by the Rotuman Islands Council.
As of 2004, the Fijian Senate comprises the following persons:
Nominated by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga
- Ratu George Cakobau
- Ratu Josefa Dimuri
- Ratu Paula Lacawai
- Ratu Kinijoji R. Maivalili
- Ratu Kiniviliame Manumanunitoga
- Ratu Apisai D. Naevo
- Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau
- Ratu Sela D. Nanavo
- Viliame Navoka
- Ratu Epeli Niudamu
- Rabatinamo Radovibua
- Asesela Ravuvu
- Ratu Kolinio Tokotunaceva
- Taito Waqavakatoga
Nominated by the Prime Minister
- Dr. Ahmed Ali
- Qoriniasi Bale
- Mitieli Bulanauca
- Rev. Tomasi Kanailagi
- Kenneth Low
- Ratu Sakiusa Makutu
- Ratu Josaia Rayawa
- Ratu Inoke Takiveikata
- Apisai Tora
Nominated by the Leader of the Opposition
- Tulsi Ram Khelwan
- Anand Kumar Singh
- Felix M. Anthony
- Joeli Kalou
- Jokapeci Talei Koroi
- Poinpate Tawase Lesavua
(There are two vacancies to be filled by the Leader of the Opposition).
Nominated by the Rotuman Islands Council
