A potential division within the Prime Minister’s The People’s Alliance (PA) party may have contributed to the postponement of the Presidential nomination in Parliament. The nomination for the new President was scheduled as item number four on the agenda but was unexpectedly withdrawn after the Government’s nominee sparked disagreements among party members.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who has not disclosed his preferred candidate, acknowledged the concerns regarding some of the proposed names. “I will not share details, but there was some discomfort with the nominees, which was brought to my attention by the Honourable Speaker,” Rabuka stated.
“I requested to withdraw my nomination, and he may have also spoken to the Leader of Opposition. To be fair to both sides, we could not proceed while there were uncertainties regarding the nominees,” he added.
Sources suggest that initially, the Government was likely to endorse Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, expecting support from the Group of Nine bloc led by Ioane Naivalurua. However, internal factions within the PA party are advocating for alternative candidates, including Ratu Epenisa Cakobau (The Vunivalu) and Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci (Tui Nadi), who were discussed during the party’s recent annual general meeting in the West.
It is reported that other coalition parties have backed the Prime Minister’s recommendation to extend the current term of Ratu Wiliame Katonivere as President of Fiji. Ratu Vuniyani, a notable contender, revealed that he was unaware of his nomination but recognized receiving support from PA members in the Central, Eastern, and Western divisions.
“When I learned that three divisions had nominated me, I decided not to decline their support,” said Ratu Vuniyani. “In my heart, I knew I was going to be nominated to be the President of Fiji, and I was prepared to accept that role.” His recent resignation as party president during the PA’s executive council meeting has further fueled speculation about his candidacy.