A rift within the People’s Alliance Party emerged during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members expressed concerns regarding the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. Supporters at Hotel 2000 inquired about whether a nominee had been proposed, especially with the current President’s term nearing its end.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, and took the oath of office a month later. The 2013 Constitution requires Fiji’s President to be appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about who might succeed him.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified that no official motion to nominate a candidate had been presented at the assembly. He revealed that in the aftermath of the 2022 elections, various factions had sought to exert pressure on both the President and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander. Nevertheless, Rabuka noted that both individuals remained steadfast in their roles.
“We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Rabuka stated, adding that the current President was made aware of these discussions due to the potential for issues to escalate through social media and internal divisions.
Rabuka cautioned that it would be inappropriate to nominate someone else, as 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 asserted. “He’s performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Attendance at the meeting was limited, with only a few PA ministers present, including Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.