The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) plans to convene a Working Group Committee next Tuesday to solidify its nominee for the presidency of Fiji. This step aims to ensure that the party can also put forward a candidate during the Special Parliament Sitting later this month, which will endorse Fiji’s next President after the current President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, chose not to seek a second term.
SODELPA’s General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa, indicated that the Committee’s decision will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s approach to the nomination process, which is set for October 31. In contrast to the previous nomination cycle, where the party did not propose a candidate and instead backed the Prime Minister’s selection, there has been a significant shift in strategy this time.
Takayawa explained that the prior nomination hearing was postponed due to concerns surrounding Rabuka’s candidacy, following an investigation into allegations related to the presidency. The Prime Minister, however, has signalled his intention to nominate Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the current Speaker of Parliament, for the position.
In a statement from the Fiji Government, Rabuka noted that Ratu Wiliame’s decision to step down, with his term ending next month, has led to the new nomination for Ratu Naiqama. The Prime Minister mentioned that consultations had occurred with the People’s Alliance Party parliamentary caucus prior to this nomination, but no similar indications were provided regarding SODELPA or the National Federation Party (NFP).
Fiji’s presidential nomination process is outlined in Sections 84 and 85 of the 2013 Constitution. It mandates that, upon a vacancy, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition submit candidates, with the Parliament taking a vote to confirm the selected nominee. If both parties nominate the same individual, a vote is rendered unnecessary.
As SODELPA prepares for its meeting next week, statements from NFP members remain awaited. It is believed that the NFP might have participated in prior discussions ahead of Rabuka’s announcement, affirming their previous support for the Prime Minister’s suggested candidate.
Fiji has seen a lineup of esteemed presidents in the past, including Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the late Ratu Josefa Iloiloivatu Uluivuda, as well as President Jioji Konrote, who served two consecutive terms under the current constitution.