The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has announced plans to hold a Working Group Committee meeting next Tuesday to finalize its nominee for the Presidency of Fiji. This decision comes as the party seeks to put forward a candidate for the Special Parliament Sitting scheduled for later this month, tasked with nominating and endorsing the country’s next president. The current President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, has opted not to seek a second term.
SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa stated that the committee’s decision will shape the party’s approach leading up to the nomination hearing, which is set for October 31. Takayawa pointed out that last time, SODELPA did not put forward a nominee, choosing instead to support the Prime Minister’s appointee.
The previous hearing was postponed after former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka withdrew his nomination amid concerns raised by the Speaker regarding the nominees. Rabuka mentioned that some unease regarding the nominations and ongoing investigations into allegations against the president led to his decision.
In light of these developments, the Prime Minister announced the intention to nominate Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who currently serves as the Speaker of Parliament. In an official statement, Rabuka noted that Ratu Wiliame, whose term ends next month, has declined to seek re-election, paving the way for Ratu Naiqama’s nomination.
Rabuka indicated that the People’s Alliance Party parliamentary caucus had been consulted before this new nomination was proposed. However, there was no indication of similar consultation with SODELPA or the National Federation Party (NFP).
The nomination process for Fiji’s presidency is outlined in Sections 84 and 85 of the 2013 Constitution, stipulating that when a vacancy occurs, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must each submit a candidate, with Parliament responsible for confirming the nominee. If both parties recommend the same individual, a vote is unnecessary.
As SODELPA prepares to discuss its nominee next week, the NFP has yet to provide comments. It is assumed that the NFP may have participated in discussions prior to Rabuka’s announcement, reflecting their previous backing of the Prime Minister’s choice.
Fiji’s past presidents have included notable figures such as the Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the late Tui Vuda Ratu Josefa Iloiloivatu Uluivuda, and Jioji Konrote, who served two consecutive terms under the 2013 Constitution.