Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election. This confirmation comes despite his recent efforts to promote greater youth and women’s leadership within his political party during a recent gathering in Lautoka. When queried about his plans for the upcoming polls, Mr. Rabuka responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I will.”
His announcement aims to quell rumors of a possible snap election circulating within party circles. The Prime Minister’s role has recently come under scrutiny following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), while she herself is under investigation by the agency.
Malimali’s appointment has raised eyebrows since it occurred just as Minister of Finance Biman Prasad was facing potential charges from FICAC. Although the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is responsible for the commissioner’s appointment, many members of the public expected Mr. Rabuka to take action as the head of government amid these controversies.
Mr. Prasad’s case is currently on hold as it awaits review by the new commissioner. Political leaders have urged the Prime Minister to initiate an inquiry into Malimali’s appointment, labeling it a compromise to the independence of the corruption watchdog. The Prime Minister has yet to give an update on the situation.
Meanwhile, Ms. Malimali’s case has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and is now being handled by the Criminal Investigations Department.
In other news, Mr. Rabuka has clarified that the coalition government will soon select a nominee for the presidential position. While he previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere deserved another term, this notion faced opposition at the People’s Alliance gathering in Lautoka two weeks ago. In an interview, Mr. Rabuka confirmed that the government will convene soon to discuss the presidential nominee. Ratu Wiliame’s current term concludes this November.