A potential division within the Prime Minister’s The People’s Alliance (PA) party may have contributed to the delayed Presidential nomination in Parliament. The nomination for the new President, which was scheduled to be item number four on the agenda, was unexpectedly withdrawn after the government’s nominee caused disagreements among party members.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has not disclosed his preferred candidate but confirmed that concerns were raised regarding some of the proposed names. “I will not divulge details, but suffice to say that there was some discomfort with the nominees, which was brought to my attention by the Honourable Speaker,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He mentioned that he had requested to withdraw his nomination due to the disagreements and believed it was fair to pause the process while uncertainties remained around the nominees.
Sources suggest that the government initially supported Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, with anticipated backing from the Group of Nine bloc, led by Ioane Naivalurua. However, differing factions within the PA party are advocating for alternative candidates, including Ratu Epenisa Cakobau (The Vunivalu) and Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci (Tui Nadi), who were discussed during the party’s recent annual general assembly in the West.
It is also reported that other coalition parties have endorsed the Prime Minister’s recommendation to extend the current term of Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, as President of the Republic of Fiji. Ratu Vuniyani, a notable contender, stated he was unaware of his nomination but noted that he had received support from PA members across the Central, Eastern, and Western divisions. “When I was informed that three divisions had nominated me, I chose not to turn them down,” Ratu Vuniyani expressed. He acknowledged his readiness for the presidential role and mentioned that his recent resignation as party president during the PA’s executive council meeting has sparked further speculation about his candidacy.