A rift within the People’s Alliance Party emerged during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members raised concerns about the party’s position regarding the nomination of Fiji’s next President.
Supporters at Hotel 2000 inquired 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 was sworn in a month later.
According to the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is selected by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about his potential successor. Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no official motion had been presented to nominate a candidate at the assembly.
Rabuka revealed that post-2022 elections, various factions sought to pressure both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, but both remained steadfast in their positions. He commented, “We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee.”
He pointed out that the current President was made aware of these discussions, particularly as social media and internal divisions could exacerbate the situation. Rabuka also cautioned that nominating an alternative candidate would be inappropriate, noting that no Fijian President has ever served just one term.
“In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should give him another term,” Rabuka emphasized. “He’s performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a small number of PA ministers attended the meeting, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.