Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election. This declaration comes despite his recent emphasis on encouraging greater youth and female representation within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka. When questioned about his plans for the upcoming election, Mr. Rabuka stated confidently, “Yes, I will.”
His comment dispels rumors of a possible snap election that had circulated in political circles. Recently, Mr. Rabuka’s leadership has been scrutinized, particularly following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), who is herself under investigation by the commission. Malimali’s appointment has raised eyebrows since it occurred at a time when Finance Minister Biman Prasad was expected to face charges from FICAC.
Although the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is responsible for appointing the FICAC commissioner, there have been calls for Prime Minister Rabuka to intervene, especially given the complications arising from the situation. The case against Mr. Prasad is currently suspended pending a review by the new commissioner.
Political party leaders are urging the Prime Minister to initiate a board of inquiry regarding the appointment, which they view as undermining the independence of the corruption watchdog. The Prime Minister has yet to provide any updates on this issue. Meanwhile, Ms. Malimali’s case has been escalated to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and is now in the hands of the Criminal Investigations Department.
In a related matter, the Prime Minister has indicated that the coalition government will soon select a nominee for the position of President. While Mr. Rabuka previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere could serve another term, this viewpoint was contested during a recent assembly of the People’s Alliance in Lautoka. In an interview, Mr. Rabuka confirmed that discussions regarding the presidential nominee will take place soon, as Ratu Wiliame’s current term is set to conclude this November.