A rift within the People’s Alliance Party emerged during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members raised concerns regarding the party’s approach to nominating the next President of Fiji.
At the meeting held at Hotel 2000, supporters inquired whether a nominee had been proposed, especially with the current President’s term nearing its conclusion.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, and took his oath of office a month later. According to the 2013 Constitution, the President of Fiji is appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about potential successors.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no official motion for a candidate nomination was put forth at the assembly. He disclosed that following the 2022 elections, various factions attempted to apply pressure on both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). However, Rabuka emphasized that both individuals resisted these pressures and remained steadfast in their positions.
“We discussed who should assume the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Rabuka mentioned, adding that the current President had been made aware of these discussions, particularly considering the potential for social media and internal discord to amplify the situation.
Rabuka cautioned that proposing a different candidate would be inappropriate, noting that no Fijian President has ever completed only a single term. “In consideration of the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should allow him another term,” the party leader stated. “He has performed well, adhered to the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a few ministers from the People’s Alliance were present at the gathering, including Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimai Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.