Tensions within the People’s Alliance Party were evident during its general assembly in Lautoka, where members raised concerns about the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. Supporters at Hotel 2000 inquired about any potential nominee as the current President’s term is nearing its end.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, assumed office a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, the President of Fiji is elected by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation regarding his successor.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified that no official motion to nominate a candidate had been presented during the assembly. He also revealed that after the 2022 elections, various factions had attempted to influence both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), but both individuals remained steadfast in their positions.
“We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Rabuka stated. He mentioned that the current President was aware of these discussions, particularly considering the potential for social media and internal divisions to exacerbate the matter.
Rabuka cautioned that nominating an alternative candidate would be inappropriate, noting that no Fijian President has ever served only one term. “In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should give him another term,” he added. “He’s performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a limited number of PA ministers attended the meeting, including Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.