A division within the People’s Alliance Party surfaced during its general assembly in Lautoka yesterday, as members raised concerns about the party’s position regarding the nomination of Fiji’s next President.
Supporters at Hotel 2000 inquired whether a nominee had been proposed, given that the current President’s term is nearing its end. President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was appointed by the FijiFirst government on October 22, 2021, and took the oath of office a month later.
According to the 2013 Constitution, Fiji’s President is chosen by Parliament for a three-year term, leading to speculation about potential successors. Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that no formal motion to nominate a candidate had been presented during the assembly.
Rabuka mentioned that since the 2022 elections, various factions have attempted to influence both the President and the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). However, he acknowledged that both individuals have resisted such pressures and remained steadfast in their positions.
“We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the party’s nominee,” Rabuka noted, adding that the current President had been made aware of these discussions, particularly as social media and internal rifts could exacerbate the situation.
He cautioned that proposing an alternative nominee would be inappropriate, as no Fijian President has ever served only one term. “In deference to the previous government that appointed Tui Macuata, we should grant him another term,” Rabuka asserted. “He’s performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our respect.”
Only a limited number of PA ministers attended the meeting, including Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vatimi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Immanuel, and Jese Saukuru.