A division within the People’s Alliance Party emerged during its general assembly in Lautoka as members expressed concerns regarding the party’s position on nominating the next President of Fiji. Supporters gathered at Hotel 2000 inquired whether a nominee had been proposed, in light of the current President’s term nearing its conclusion.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed on October 22, 2021, by the FijiFirst government and took his oath a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, the President of Fiji is appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, which has led to speculation about his successor.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no official motion to nominate a candidate was presented during the assembly. He revealed that after the 2022 elections, various factions sought to influence both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, but both remained steadfast in their positions.
“We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Mr. Rabuka commented. He noted that the current President had been made aware of these discussions, particularly with the potential for social media and internal conflicts to exacerbate the situation.
Mr. Rabuka cautioned against nominating another candidate, emphasizing that no Fijian President has ever served just one term. “In respect to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should grant him another term,” the party leader stated. “He has performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
The assembly saw only a few PA ministers in attendance: Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.