The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has voiced significant concerns to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka over developments within the Coalition government, emphasizing the need for open dialogue to sustain trust and unity among coalition partners. In their correspondence, the SODELPA working committee highlighted issues related to potential violations of the Coalition Agreement, particularly concerning the recent increase in ministerial positions exceeding the agreed limit of 20.

SODELPA pointed out that the Coalition Agreement is designed to ensure efficiency and equitable representation among its members, and expressed concern that exceeding the ministerial cap poses a strain on government resources and contravenes the principles that underpin their coalition. By raising issues of transparency in decision-making, such as the lack of prior consultation regarding the appointments of members from the Group of Nine (G9) to ministerial roles, SODELPA stressed that such actions could undermine the trust and collaborative spirit necessary for coalition governance.

The party’s stance echoes previous statements made by SODELPA leader and Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, who has previously articulated the critical importance of mutual respect and trust among coalition partners, warning that unilateral decisions could create suspicion and instability. He underscored the need for adherence to the foundational agreements that facilitated the coalition’s formation, acknowledging that without SODELPA’s support, the governing coalition might not exist.

While Prime Minister Rabuka has yet to respond to SODELPA’s concerns, the current tensions provide an opportunity for the coalition to reinforce its commitment to transparent governance and communication. As political dynamics evolve in Fiji, with implications for effective governance and national welfare, both SODELPA and the Prime Minister face challenges in ensuring collaborative efforts result in constructive solutions. The ongoing commitment to unity and collaborative governance offers a hopeful pathway forward, reminding stakeholders of the shared goals that drive the coalition.

In summary, SODELPA’s call for transparency and adherence to the Coalition Agreement reflects broader implications for the stability and functionality of the government, suggesting that through cooperative dialogue, it may be possible to navigate these challenges successfully for the benefit of all Fijians.