A division within the People’s Alliance Party emerged during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members raised concerns about the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President.
Supporters at Hotel 2000 inquired whether a nominee had been submitted, given that the current President’s term is nearing its conclusion.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, and he was sworn in a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about his potential successor.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no formal motion to nominate a candidate had been presented at the assembly. He explained that following the 2022 elections, various factions sought to influence both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). However, Rabuka noted that both individuals resisted this pressure and remained steadfast in their positions.
“We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Rabuka shared. He added that the current President was aware of these discussions, particularly as social media and internal rifts could exacerbate the situation.
Rabuka cautioned against nominating a different candidate, pointing out 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,” the party leader remarked. “He has 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.