A rift within the People’s Alliance Party emerged during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members raised concerns about the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. Supporters gathered at Hotel 2000 questioned whether a nominee had been proposed, considering the current President’s term is nearing its end.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, was sworn in a month later. Under the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, prompting speculation about his potential successor.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no formal motion to nominate a candidate was presented at the assembly. He disclosed that after the 2022 elections, various factions tried to influence both the President and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander, but both officials resisted such pressures.
Mr. Rabuka indicated discussions had taken place regarding who should assume the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee. He noted that the current President had been apprised of these conversations, particularly as social media and internal disputes could amplify the situation.
He cautioned that suggesting an alternative nominee would be improper, as no Fijian President has ever served only one term. “In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should give him another term,” Mr. Rabuka emphasized. “He has performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a few PA ministers attended the meeting, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.