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 yesterday. The nomination for the new President was listed as item four on the agenda but was unexpectedly withdrawn due to disagreements among party members regarding the government’s nominee.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has kept details about his preferred candidate under wraps but acknowledged that concerns were raised about some nominees. “I will not disclose specifics, but there was some discomfort with the nominees, which was brought to my attention by the Honourable Speaker,” Rabuka stated. He indicated that he requested to withdraw the nomination as it would not be appropriate to proceed amidst uncertainty over the nominees.
Sources suggest that the Government initially favored Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who was expected to receive support from the Group of Nine bloc led by Ioane Naivalurua. However, factions within the PA are advocating for other candidates, including Ratu Epenisa Cakobau (The Vunivalu) and Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci (Tui Nadi), who were discussed during the party’s recent annual general assembly held in the West.
Additionally, it is reported that other coalition parties have backed the Prime Minister’s recommendation for extending Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s term as President of Fiji. Ratu Vuniyani, a significant contender, expressed that he was unaware of his nomination but acknowledged support from PA members across the Central, Eastern, and Western divisions.
“When I was informed that three divisions had nominated me, I chose not to refuse,” Ratu Vuniyani remarked. “Deep down, I knew I was destined to be nominated for the President of Fiji, and I was prepared for that role.” His recent resignation as party president during the PA’s executive council meeting has further fueled speculation about his interest in candidacy.