The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has reached out to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, urging a meeting among Coalition leaders in light of growing tensions within the alliance. This situation follows the recent appointment of members from the Group of Nine (G9) as Ministers and Assistant Ministers, which SODELPA has described as causing “unintended tensions” among its Coalition partners.

In a letter addressed to Mr. Rabuka on Friday, SODELPA expressed concerns about how these recent appointments could undermine trust and stability, stating that such decisions should be made transparently and with consultation from all partners involved. The political landscape underscores the need for preserving the unity of the Coalition, which SODELPA feels is essential to uphold the collective mandate given by the Fijian people.

SODELPA’s leader, Aseri Radrodro, has acknowledged there are “disgruntled” members within his party regarding the G9 appointments. However, he reaffirmed SODELPA’s commitment to the Coalition Agreement and the importance of cooperative dialogue. Radrodro emphasized that a unified approach is crucial as the Coalition faces significant challenges ahead.

The National Federation Party (NFP) has publicly indicated its support for the appointments, highlighting the complexities in coalition dynamics. Rabuka mentioned receiving “positive feedback” from Coalition partners about the recent cabinet changes, yet the response from SODELPA reflects a need for enhanced communication and transparency moving forward.

Both Radrodro and the SODELPA letter stress the importance of maintaining mutual respect and constructive engagement among Coalition members to effectively address the issues facing Fiji.

The developments present an opportunity for the Coalition to reinforce its commitment to unity and collaboration, which can lead to better governance. The emphasis on dialogue among coalition members is hopeful as it may pave the way for solutions that strengthen the coalition and ultimately benefit the Fijian populace. The focus on prioritizing the welfare of citizens over political disputes can inspire confidence in the coalition’s ability to work through its challenges.