The People’s Alliance Party (PAP) leader, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, has urged his party members, particularly Cabinet Ministers, to prepare for future leadership opportunities. In a recent interview, party general secretary Sila Balawa emphasized the necessity of succession planning within the party, stating that Rabuka is looking for individuals he can trust to take on leadership roles.
Balawa remarked, “Succession is natural in any organization, and it is a long-term thing, especially in politics.” He pointed out that many ministers are relatively new to their positions and that the Prime Minister is evaluating their performance and leadership potential.
While Rabuka has not publicly identified specific successors, his two deputy leaders, Manoa Kamikamica and Ro Filipe Tuisawau, are viewed as top contenders. Balawa noted the importance of ambition among younger party members, indicating that Rabuka welcomes their aspirations to lead, which he believes is vital for a healthy political environment.
Following a general assembly last week, Rabuka encouraged Cabinet Ministers to demonstrate qualities that would make them suitable for leadership. Among those present at the meeting were several key ministers, including Ro Tuisawau, Lynda Tabuya, Alitia Bainivalu, and Siromi Turaga.
This call for future leadership and the proactive approach by Rabuka and Balawa reflect a commitment to fostering a resilient party capable of adapting to changing political dynamics. As the next general elections approach, the focus on leadership development within the PAP offers a positive outlook for the party’s future, fostering an opportunity for renewal and engagement with the electorate. This initiative could help strengthen the party’s unity and effectiveness as it strives to respond to public concerns and expectations in Fiji’s evolving political landscape.
Leave a comment