Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his intention to participate in the 2026 General Election. This decision comes despite his recent emphasis on increasing youth and female leadership within his political party during a meeting in Lautoka.
When questioned about his future electoral plans, Mr. Rabuka responded affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I will” run for election again. His announcement also dispels recent rumors within party circles regarding a potential snap election.
Mr. 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 herself under investigation by the agency. Concerns have been raised regarding Ms. Malimali’s appointment as it coincided with Finance Minister Biman Prasad’s impending charges by FICAC.
While the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is responsible for the FICAC commissioner’s appointment, many anticipated that the Prime Minister would intervene amid the unfolding issues. Mr. Prasad’s case has been deferred pending a review by the new commissioner, leading political leaders to urge Mr. Rabuka to conduct an inquiry into the appointment, which they have described as a violation of the corruption watchdog’s independence.
As of now, the Prime Minister has not provided any updates on this situation. Meanwhile, Ms. Malimali’s case has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and is currently with the Criminal Investigations Department.
In another matter, Prime Minister Rabuka has indicated that the coalition government will soon decide on a nominee for the presidential position. He previously suggested that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere would be suitable for another term; however, this was met with opposition during the People’s Alliance assembly in Lautoka two weeks ago. Mr. Rabuka confirmed that the government would convene shortly to discuss potential nominees, as Ratu Wiliame’s first term is set to conclude this November.