Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election. This declaration comes despite his recent advocacy for enhancing youth and women’s leadership within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka.
When questioned about the possibility of participating in the upcoming polls, Mr. Rabuka responded confidently, stating, “Yes, I will.” His confirmation has quelled rumors of a potential snap election that had circulated in party circles.
Recently, Mr. Rabuka’s administration has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), amid her own investigation by the agency. This decision has drawn criticism since it coincided with the expected charges against the Minister of Finance, Biman Prasad, by FICAC.
Although the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is responsible for appointing the FICAC commissioner, political observers anticipated that the Prime Minister, as head of the Government, would intervene given the controversy surrounding the situation. Mr. Prasad’s case is currently on hold, awaiting a review by the newly appointed commissioner.
Political leaders have urged the Prime Minister to take action and initiate an inquiry into the appointment, describing it as a possible infringement on the autonomy of the corruption watchdog. The Prime Minister has not yet provided an update regarding these concerns.
Additionally, the case involving Ms. Malimali has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and is now in the hands of the Criminal Investigations Department.
In other news, Prime Minister Rabuka has indicated that the coalition government will soon choose a nominee for the presidential position. He had previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere would be suitable for another term; however, this idea was met with opposition during a recent assembly of the People’s Alliance in Lautoka.
In an interview, Mr. Rabuka confirmed that the government would convene shortly to discuss the nomination process, as Ratu Wiliame’s current term is set to conclude in November.