A rift within the People’s Alliance Party was exposed during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members expressed concerns regarding the party’s position on the nomination of Fiji’s next President. Attendees at Hotel 2000 inquired whether a nominee had been proposed, considering the current President’s term is nearing its conclusion.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, was sworn in the following month. According to the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is elected by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation over potential successors.
Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no formal motion for a candidate nomination was presented at the assembly. He mentioned that since the 2022 elections, various factions have attempted to pressure both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). However, he emphasized that both individuals have resisted such external influences, maintaining their positions.
Rabuka noted discussions have taken place regarding who should assume the presidency and the party’s nominee. He indicated that the current President had been made aware of these talks, especially given that social media and internal party divisions could exacerbate the situation.
The Prime Minister warned that putting forward a different nominee would be inappropriate, as no Fijian President has ever served only a single term. “In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should give him another term,” Rabuka stated. “He has performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a small number of PA ministers attended the meeting, including Mr. Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.