Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election. This confirmation comes despite his recent push for increased leadership roles for youth and women within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka.
When questioned about his plans for the upcoming elections, Mr. Rabuka responded decisively, affirming, “Yes, I will.” His declaration addresses recent rumors circulating within party circles regarding a potential snap election.
Mr. Rabuka’s leadership has faced scrutiny following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), especially as she is currently under investigation by the commission. Critics have also raised concerns about her appointment coinciding with pending charges against the Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad.
Although the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is responsible for appointing the FICAC commissioner, many have expected Mr. Rabuka to intervene as government leader amid growing controversy.
Mr. Prasad’s case is currently on hold while awaiting a review by the new commissioner. Political party leaders have urged the Prime Minister to investigate the appointment, describing it as a potential infringement on the independence of the anti-corruption body.
To date, Mr. Rabuka has not provided any further updates on this situation. Meanwhile, the case involving Ms. Malimali has been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and is now being handled by the Criminal Investigations Department.
In another development, Prime Minister Rabuka stated that the coalition government will soon decide on a nominee for the presidential position. He previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere could be suitable for another term, a proposal that faced opposition during the People’s Alliance assembly in Lautoka two weeks ago. In a recent interview, Mr. Rabuka confirmed that the government would convene shortly to discuss a nominee, as Ratu Wiliame’s current term is set to conclude this November.