The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) plans to hold a Working Group Committee meeting next Tuesday to establish its nominee for the presidency of Fiji. This decision is crucial in light of the upcoming Special Parliament Sitting this month, which will focus on selecting and endorsing Fiji’s next President, following the current President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s choice not to seek a second term.
SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa indicated that the Committee’s verdict will shape the party’s approach leading up to the nomination hearing scheduled for October 31. Previously, SODELPA chose not to nominate a candidate and backed the Prime Minister’s choice instead. However, the nomination hearing was postponed when Rabuka retracted his nomination due to concerns voiced by the Speaker.
Rabuka explained that issues with the nominees and inquiries concerning allegations against the president led to his withdrawal. This situation prompted the Prime Minister to express intentions to nominate Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who currently holds the position of Speaker of Parliament.
In a statement released by the Fiji Government, Rabuka noted that Ratu Wiliame would finish his term next month and had declined to serve another term, leading to the nomination of Ratu Naiqama. The Prime Minister mentioned that the People’s Alliance Party’s parliamentary caucus was consulted prior to this nomination announcement; however, no similar consultation was reported with SODELPA or the National Federation Party (NFP).
Fiji’s presidential nomination procedure is dictated by Sections 84 and 85 of the 2013 Constitution, which requires the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to each propose a candidate when a vacancy occurs, with Parliament ultimately voting to confirm the chosen nominee. If both parties endorse the same candidate, a vote is not necessary.
As SODELPA prepares for discussions next week, responses from NFP members are still awaited. It is believed that NFP may have taken part in discussions before Rabuka’s announcement, consistent with their earlier backing of the Prime Minister’s nominee.
Historically, Fiji’s presidents have included notable figures such as Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the late Ratu Josefa Iloiloivatu Uluivuda, and President Jioji Konrote, who was elected to two consecutive terms under the 2013 Constitution.