The Coalition Government is facing divisions regarding its nominees for the role of President of the Republic of Fiji. Both the Social Democratic Liberal Party and the National Federation Party have indicated their support for extending the term of His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Additionally, other names being considered include Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci and the Vunivalu of Nukunitabua Ratu Naulu Mataitini.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in a conversation with FijiLive, refrained from revealing the nominee chosen by his party, noting that there were concerns raised regarding the nominees, which were communicated to him by the Speaker earlier today. Rabuka mentioned that he has retracted his nomination, stating, “In fairness to both, we could not make the nomination while there was a cloud over our nominees.”
Despite the uncertainty, today’s parliamentary agenda included a discussion on the nomination and acknowledgment of the President of the Republic of Fiji.
Iowane Naivalurua, the leader of the bloc of nine, stated that they would support the Government on issues of common interest but expressed that the Government had not communicated their preferred nominee to them. “This is politics at play. I understand that some names are being floated around, but I am unaware of,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu did not respond to inquiries regarding the matter.