The People’s Alliance Party experienced internal discord during its general assembly in Lautoka, where members raised concerns regarding the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. Supporters at Hotel 2000 inquired if a nominee had been proposed, considering the imminent conclusion of the current President’s term.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, was sworn in about a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, the President of Fiji 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 formal motion to nominate a candidate was presented during the assembly. He shared that various factions tried to apply pressure on both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) after the 2022 elections. However, both individuals resisted this pressure and remained steadfast in their positions.
“We talked about who should hold the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Mr. Rabuka remarked. He also indicated that the current President had been made aware of these discussions, particularly as social media and internal divisions could exacerbate the matter.
Mr. Rabuka cautioned against nominating a different candidate, noting that no Fijian President has ever served only one term. “In respect to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should grant him another term,” he stated. “He’s performed admirably, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
At the assembly, only a few ministers from the People’s Alliance were in attendance, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.