The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has announced plans to assemble a Working Group Committee next Tuesday to finalize the party’s nominee for the President of Fiji. This initiative aims to secure a candidate for the Special Parliament Sitting later this month, which will vote on Fiji’s next President, following the current President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s decision to not seek a second term.
SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa stated that the committee’s decision will shape SODELPA’s approach leading up to the nomination hearing scheduled for October 31. Takayawa noted the party did not put forward a nominee previously and instead backed the Prime Minister’s choice.
The nomination hearing was delayed after Rabuka retracted his nomination due to concerns raised by the Speaker. Rabuka expressed that discomfort surrounding the nominees and ongoing investigations into allegations against the president were factors in his decision to withdraw.
In light of these developments, the Prime Minister announced intentions to nominate Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who currently serves as the Speaker of Parliament. According to the Fiji Government statement, Ratu Wiliame’s refusal for a second term prompted this nomination.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the People’s Alliance Party parliamentary caucus was consulted about this new nomination but did not clarify if there had been similar discussions with SODELPA or the National Federation Party (NFP).
Fiji’s presidential nomination process is outlined in Sections 84 and 85 of the 2013 Constitution, which stipulates that in the event of a vacancy, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must propose candidates for Parliament’s approval. If both parties nominate the same person, a vote is not required.
While SODELPA plans to deliberate next week, comments from NFP members are still awaited, though it is believed that NFP was likely included in discussions prior to Rabuka’s announcement, reflecting their previous endorsement of the Prime Minister’s nominee.
Fiji’s past presidents have included notable figures such as Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the late Ratu Josefa Iloiloivatu Uluivuda, along with President Jioji Konrote, who served two consecutive terms under the current constitution.