Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci, the Tui Nadi, has stepped down as president of the People’s Alliance party. He announced his resignation yesterday, revealing that he submitted his decision during the party’s executive council meeting last week.
At the age of 70, Ratu Vuniyani cited two primary reasons for his resignation. He stated, “First, I have achieved what I had committed to in the formation of the party,” referencing the successful effort to defeat the FijiFirst party, which he considered a significant accomplishment of his leadership.
He also expressed a desire to prioritize his health and well-being, explaining that he did not want to manage the pressures of both the presidential role and his responsibilities as Tui Nadi. “This is the right time to pass this baton to someone else to continue,” he stated, clarifying that rumors about disagreements with party procedures were unfounded.
Ratu Vuniyani expressed gratitude to the party, its members, and his supporters. Ratu Josefa Dimuri, the vice president, has taken on the role of acting president following his resignation.