Former fisheries minister Kalaveti Ravu has confirmed he will recontest his seat in the next general election, saying the decision by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has brought finality to a legal matter that has overshadowed his public life.
In a statement issued yesterday, Ravu said he had placed his trust in the legal process and in his lawyers, and that the recent outcome reinforced his view that disputes must be resolved on evidence and in accordance with the law. He noted that earlier this year the Suva Magistrate’s Court cleared him and another person of criminal charges that had been brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in 2024. The DPP’s action — which Ravu did not detail in his statement — was described by him as providing closure.
Ravu acknowledged the personal cost of the proceedings, saying the drawn-out matter had placed strain on his family, his work and his reputation — burdens he said he had borne quietly. He thanked those who continued to engage with him during the period of public scrutiny and said he was grateful to be able to move on. “I have respected that process throughout, and I accept that outcome. I am grateful to now put this behind me,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to his constituents, Ravu declared his duty as a Member of Parliament remained unchanged. He said his first responsibility was to the people of Lomaiviti and that he would continue in his role with “discipline, stability and respect for proper processes,” adding that public confidence is built over time and tested during difficult periods. After careful consideration, he confirmed he would stand again in the upcoming general election. “There is still work to be done, and I will see it through,” he said.
This is the latest development in a case that has been publicly followed since FICAC lodged charges in 2024. The Suva Magistrate’s Court’s earlier acquittal removed the immediate legal obstacles to Ravu’s political future; the DPP’s subsequent decision, acknowledged by Ravu, appears to have provided the formal closure he sought before announcing his candidacy. Ravu’s announcement effectively ends months of uncertainty over whether the legal cloud would prevent him from seeking re-election.
Ravu’s return to the ballot will reshape the contest in Lomaiviti, where voters will now consider whether to renew his mandate despite the high-profile scrutiny of recent years. He identified returning focus to constituency work as his priority and thanked his legal team and supporters for their role during the process. The declaration sets the stage for what is likely to be a closely watched local campaign when the general election is called.
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