Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election. This confirmation comes despite his recent advocacy for increased youth and women’s leadership within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka. When asked about his electoral ambitions for 2026, Mr. Rabuka was decisive, stating, “Yes, I will.”
His remarks have also dispelled rumors of a possible snap election that had circulated among party members. The Prime Minister’s leadership has faced scrutiny recently, particularly following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), who herself is under investigation by the same agency.
Malimali’s appointment raises questions, especially since the Finance Minister, Biman Prasad, is expected to face charges from FICAC. Although her appointment is under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), many expected Mr. Rabuka, as the government leader, to intervene given the situation. Prasad’s case is currently on hold as it awaits further review from the new commissioner.
Political leaders are urging the Prime Minister to take action by establishing a board of inquiry regarding the appointment, which they claim undermines the independence of the corruption watchdog. No updates from Mr. Rabuka on this issue have been provided yet. Meanwhile, Malimali’s case has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and is now being handled by the Criminal Investigations Department.
In other developments, Prime Minister Rabuka has indicated that the coalition government will soon decide on a nominee for the presidential position. Although he previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere could serve another term, this was met with dissent during a recent People’s Alliance assembly in Lautoka. In an interview, Rabuka confirmed that the government would convene soon to select a nominee, as Ratu Wiliame’s current term concludes this November.