A rift within the People’s Alliance Party surfaced during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members expressed concerns regarding the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. Supporters gathered at Hotel 2000 inquired whether a nominee had been proposed, in light of the current President’s term nearing its conclusion.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, and was sworn in a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about potential successors.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no official motion to nominate a candidate was tabled during the assembly. He revealed that post-2022 elections, various factions sought to influence both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), but both individuals remained steadfast in their positions.
“We discussed who should assume the presidency and who the party’s nominee would be,” Mr. Rabuka said. He noted that the current President had been informed of these discussions, especially amidst the potential for escalating issues on social media and internal divisions.
Mr. Rabuka also cautioned against nominating a different candidate, emphasizing that no Fijian President has ever served only one term. “In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should grant him another term,” the party leader remarked. “He has performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Attendance at the meeting was limited to a small number of PA ministers, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.