Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his willingness to lead the People’s Alliance party (PAP) in the upcoming 2026 General Election, contingent on the party’s support. He stated, “I will be available. It depends on the party, if the party wants me to stand, I will.”
Rabuka has been integral to the PAP since its foundation in 2021 and played a significant role in shaping its identity, which ultimately led to a narrow victory in the December 2022 elections. He emphasized his commitment to the party, mentioning, “I have done everything for the party for these past three years. But I will not desert the party.” Despite his readiness to continue, Rabuka acknowledged that if the party seeks new leadership, he would respect their decision.
Considering the party’s voter base, Rabuka noted the challenges of finding a successor who could garner the same level of support in the next election, reflecting on the importance of the coalition’s standing with the electorate. In the last election, he received the most votes for PAP, totaling 77,748, followed by Lynda Tabuya with 11,965 votes and Charan Jeath Singh with 5,616 votes.
This year presents significant challenges for Rabuka and the coalition, as public sentiment appears to be shifting from optimism to a sense of disillusionment. It’s an essential time for the PAP to address these concerns and foster renewed confidence among its supporters.
In summary, Rabuka’s commitment to lead the PAP depends significantly on the party’s desire for his continued leadership, highlighting the collective decision-making that will shape their future direction. This situation underscores the importance of unity and responsiveness within political parties, offering a hopeful glimpse into potential revitalization and renewed public engagement as the next general election approaches.
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