The Coalition Government is experiencing divisions regarding its nominees for the position of President of the Republic of Fiji. Reports indicate that both the Social Democratic Liberal Party and the National Federation Party are advocating for the reappointment of His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere for a second term.
Additionally, other potential candidates that have emerged include Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci and the Vunivalu of Nukunitabua Ratu Naulu Mataitini. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in a statement to FijiLive, refrained from revealing the nominee but acknowledged some reluctance regarding the nominations, which was brought to his attention by the Speaker earlier that day.
Rabuka also mentioned that he had decided to withdraw his nomination, stating, “In fairness to both, we could not make the nomination while there was a cloud over our nominees.” Despite this, the nomination and formal acknowledgment of the appointment of the President were listed on the agenda in Parliament that morning.
Iowane Naivalurua, leader of the bloc of nine, commented that they would support the Government on matters of mutual interest. However, he noted that the Government had yet to communicate its preferred nominee for support. “This is politics at play. I understand that some names are being floated around, but I am unaware of,” he remarked. The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, did not provide a response to inquiries regarding the nominations.