Fiji’s Presidency at a Crossroads: Who Will Emerge as the Nominee?

The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) announced it will hold a Working Group Committee meeting next Tuesday to finalize its nominee for the presidency of Fiji. This step is in preparation for the special parliamentary session later this month, which will focus on nominating and endorsing Fiji’s next president following the announcement by the incumbent, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who has opted not to seek a second term.

SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa emphasized that the Committee’s decision will shape the party’s position as the nomination hearing approaches, set for October 31. He noted that SODELPA did not present a nominee during the previous election and instead supported the Prime Minister’s candidate.

The nomination process was previously stalled when Rabuka, the Prime Minister, withdrew his candidate due to issues raised by the Speaker of Parliament. Rabuka revealed that concerns regarding the nominees and an investigation into allegations against the president influenced his decision to withdraw.

This development led to the Prime Minister’s announcement of his intention to nominate Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Speaker of Parliament, as the new candidate for president. In an official statement, Rabuka mentioned that Ratu Wiliame, whose term ends next month, declined to seek reelection, prompting the new nomination.

Rabuka confirmed that the People’s Alliance Party parliamentary caucus had been consulted about this nomination, but no similar consultations were reported regarding SODELPA or the National Federation Party (NFP).

Fiji’s presidential nomination process is outlined in Sections 84 and 85 of the 2013 Constitution. The process stipulates that when a vacancy occurs, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition each propose a candidate, with Parliament responsible for confirming the nominee. If both parties endorse the same individual, a vote is not required.

While SODELPA prepares for its discussions next week, comments from NFP members have yet to be received. It is believed that NFP may have participated in discussions prior to Rabuka’s announcement, reflecting their past support for the Prime Minister’s choice.

The list of former presidents includes notable figures such as Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the late Ratu Josefa Iloiloivatu Uluivuda, along with President Jioji Konrote, who served two consecutive terms under the 2013 Constitution.