Lynda Tabuya, the former Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, will learn her fate within the People’s Alliance (PA) party in the upcoming three weeks. This announcement follows a meeting of the party’s executive committee at their headquarters in Suva, where they formalized the disciplinary hearing against her.
This marks Ms. Tabuya’s second disciplinary review. Earlier this year, she faced scrutiny over allegations involving a scandal linked to a fellow minister, which resulted in her ousting as the party’s deputy leader. The PA publicly stated that the scandal caused “potentially irreparable damage” to their reputation.
The present situation arose due to a leaked explicit video that surfaced on Christmas Eve, showing Ms. Tabuya dancing nude. She has acknowledged the video’s authenticity, claiming it was originally intended for her ex-husband, Robert Semaan, from whom she divorced in 2016.
Following the scandal, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka removed her from her ministerial position on December 26. He attended the executive committee meeting virtually from Savusavu, indicating his continued involvement in the party’s governance.
Sila Balawa, the PA’s general secretary, confirmed that the disciplinary process will adhere to the party’s constitution and will seek to maintain integrity and privacy. The committee has 21 days to conclude its review and present findings. Ms. Tabuya will have a chance to share her perspective during this process, highlighting the party’s commitment to a fair hearing.
This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges political figures face and the importance of accountability within party structures. The management of such crises can shape the future of political careers and the reputation of political parties. As this process unfolds, there is an opportunity for growth and learning for all parties involved, emphasizing the need for transparency and due diligence in political settings.
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