A rift within the People’s Alliance Party was evident during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as party members expressed concerns regarding the nomination process for Fiji’s next President. Supporters gathered at Hotel 2000 raised questions about whether a candidate had been proposed, considering the current President’s term is nearing its end.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed President by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, and was sworn in the following month. According to the 2013 Constitution, the President is chosen by Parliament for a term of three years, leading to speculation about potential successors.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no formal motion to nominate a candidate had been presented at the assembly. He noted that after the 2022 elections, various factions tried to influence both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, but both resisted this pressure and maintained their positions.
“We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Mr. Rabuka shared. He mentioned that the current President had been made aware of these discussions, especially as internal divisions and social media could exacerbate the situation.
Mr. Rabuka cautioned that proposing a different nominee would be inappropriate since no Fijian President has ever completed only one term. “In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should allow him another term,” he stated. “He has performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a few ministers from the People’s Alliance were present at the meeting, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.