The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is set to hold a Working Group Committee meeting next Tuesday to finalize its nominee for the President of Fiji. This step is crucial as it will allow the party to present a candidate during the upcoming Special Parliament Sitting later this month, aimed at endorsing Fiji’s next President. This follows the decision of the current President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who has chosen not to seek a second term.
SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa stated that the outcomes of the Committee’s meeting will influence the party’s position as the nomination hearing approaches, now slated for October 31. Takayawa pointed out that in the previous nomination, the party refrained from putting forth a candidate and instead backed the nominee put forward by the Prime Minister.
However, the nomination hearing was postponed after former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka withdrew his own candidacy due to issues raised by the Speaker, including discomfort over the nominees and ongoing investigations related to allegations against the incumbent president.
The situation led to the Prime Minister announcing his intention to nominate Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who currently serves as the Speaker of Parliament. A statement from Rabuka revealed that Ratu Wiliame, whose term concludes next month, declined the opportunity for a second term, which prompted the new nomination.
Rabuka mentioned that the People’s Alliance Party parliamentary group had been consulted regarding this nomination, though it appears no similar discussions occurred with SODELPA or the National Federation Party (NFP).
The nomination protocol for Fiji’s presidency is outlined in Sections 84 and 85 of the 2013 Constitution. When a vacancy occurs, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are responsible for recommending a candidate, with the Parliament then voting to confirm the nominee. If both parties nominate the same individual, a vote is unnecessary.
As SODELPA prepares to meet next week, feedback from NFP members is still awaited. It is believed that NFP was likely involved in discussions prior to Rabuka’s announcement, reflecting their past support for the Prime Minister’s appointment.
Historically, Fiji’s presidency has been held by notable individuals, including Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the late Ratu Josefa Iloiloivatu Uluivuda, along with Jioji Konrote, who was elected to two consecutive terms under the current Constitution.
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