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 female leadership within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka.
When questioned about his plans for the next election, Mr. Rabuka responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I will.” His declaration also dispels recent rumors circulating within party circles about the possibility of a snap election.
Mr. Rabuka’s leadership has faced scrutiny following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), especially as she is currently under investigation by the commission herself. Ms. Malimali’s appointment has raised eyebrows, particularly since it coincided with the Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, potentially facing charges from FICAC.
While the Judicial Services Commission is responsible for appointing the FICAC commissioner, many observers anticipated that the Prime Minister, as the head of the government, would intervene to address the emerging controversies. Minister Prasad’s case is currently on hold pending a review by the new commissioner.
Political leaders have urged the Prime Minister to take action and initiate a board of inquiry regarding the appointment, citing concerns about undermining the independence of the corruption watchdog. So far, Mr. Rabuka has not provided updates on the situation. Meanwhile, Ms. Malimali’s case has been escalated to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and is now with the Criminal Investigations Department.
In other news, Prime Minister Rabuka has indicated that the coalition government will soon select a nominee for the presidency. He had previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere would be suitable for another term. However, this idea faced opposition during a recent People’s Alliance meeting in Lautoka. The Prime Minister confirmed that discussions on the presidential nominee would take place shortly, as Ratu Wiliame’s current term concludes in November.