Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election. This confirmation comes despite his recent emphasis on increasing youth and women’s leadership within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka. When questioned about his future political plans, Mr. Rabuka replied affirmatively, “Yes, I will,” dispelling rumors of a potential snap election circulating in party discussions.
Mr. Rabuka’s leadership has faced scrutiny following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), particularly as she is currently under investigation by the same agency. This appointment has raised concerns, especially since it occurred while Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, approached charges by FICAC.
Although the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is responsible for appointing the FICAC commissioner, many observers anticipated that the Prime Minister, as the head of government, would take action amid the controversies. Minister Prasad’s case is currently paused, awaiting a review by the newly appointed commissioner.
Several political leaders have urged Mr. Rabuka to intervene and initiate a board of inquiry into the appointment, raising concerns about the independence of the corruption watchdog. As of now, the Prime Minister has not provided further updates. Meanwhile, Ms. Malimali’s case has been escalated to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and is under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department.
In other news, Mr. Rabuka clarified that the coalition government will soon decide on a nominee for the presidential position, with discussions expected in the near future. While he had previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was suitable for re-election, this view faced opposition during the People’s Alliance assembly in Lautoka two weeks ago. Ratu Wiliame’s current term concludes this November.