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 queried about his plans for the upcoming polls, Rabuka responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I will.”
His announcement addresses speculation regarding a potential snap election that had circulated in party circles. Rabuka’s leadership has been under scrutiny following the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), who is currently under investigation by the agency herself. The timing of Ms. Malimali’s appointment has raised concerns, particularly as it occurred while Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, is expected to face charges by FICAC.
Although the appointment of the FICAC commissioner is the responsibility of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), many observers anticipated that the Prime Minister, as the government leader, would take action amid the controversy. The case involving Mr. Prasad has been paused, awaiting a review by the new commissioner. Political party leaders have urged Rabuka to intervene and initiate an inquiry into the appointment, claiming it undermines the independence of the corruption agency.
The Prime Minister has yet to provide further details on this matter. In a related development, Ms. Malimali’s situation has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and is currently with the Criminal Investigations Department.
In another topic, the Prime Minister indicated that the coalition Government will soon discuss a nominee for the Presidential position. Although Rabuka previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere might be suitable for re-election, this view faced opposition during the People’s Alliance assembly in Lautoka two weeks prior. In a recent interview, Rabuka confirmed that discussions regarding a nominee would occur shortly, as Ratu Wiliame’s first term concludes this November.