A rift within the People’s Alliance Party became evident during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members expressed concerns regarding the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. The inquiry was raised by supporters at Hotel 2000, questioning whether a candidate had been nominated in light of the current President’s term nearing its end.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, swore in a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is elected by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about potential successors.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no motion to officially nominate a candidate had been presented at the assembly. He mentioned that in the aftermath of the 2022 elections, various factions attempted to apply pressure on both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, but both individuals resisted such influence and maintained their positions.
“We discussed who should assume the presidency and the party’s nominee,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He emphasized that the current President had been briefed on these discussions, particularly given the potential for social media and internal discord to exacerbate the situation.
Mr. Rabuka also cautioned that selecting another nominee would be inappropriate, as no Fijian President has ever served only one term. “In recognition of the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should provide him another term,” the party leader remarked. “He has performed well, operated within constitutional boundaries, and deserves our respect.”
The meeting was attended by only a small number of PA ministers, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.