A technical error has been cited as the reason behind the walk-out at the People’s Alliance Party’s Young Alliance annual general meeting held in Suva yesterday. Over 100 members, who had traveled from Vanua Levu, exited the meeting in protest after their nominee, Salote Bulitavu, was barred from contesting the presidency.
According to Sila Balawa, the party’s general secretary, the situation stemmed from a technical issue. However, some youth members from the northern region expressed that communication problems played a significant role in the discontent. During the meeting, it was announced that out of five presidential nominations, only one was validly received, which did not include Bulitavu.
A youth member remarked, “So when the meeting began, the general secretary stated that out of the five nominations for president, only one was validly received and this excluded our nominee Salote Bulitavu.” This sparked a dispute that led to the collective walk-out by supporters of Bulitavu from the CBM (Cakaudrove, Bua, Macuata) region.
The misunderstanding arose because Ms. Bulitavu’s nomination was reportedly not accepted due to late submission; according to party rules, nominations must be submitted 15 days prior to the AGM. Nonetheless, she remains optimistic about her leadership aspirations. “I thank God for this opportunity, I am grateful for the support. I am 20 years old and we already have issues to work on,” she stated.
One pressing issue highlighted by our young members involves the selection of seasonal workers from villages, with some expressing concerns about their villages not receiving any workers. Bulitavu and her team are determined to address these matters with the relevant ministry.
The other office bearers elected during the meeting include vice president Kava Fuata, secretary Manasa Navara, and treasurer Neha Kumar. The committee is further complemented by regional presidents: Central president Charlotte Rauca, Western president Leone Tagicakibau, Eastern president Saiasi Vakaloloma, and Northern president Rapoama Raqi.
The incident, despite its controversy, demonstrates the engagement and commitment of young leaders eager to address the concerns of their communities, reflecting a hopeful outlook for active participation in solving local issues.
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