Potential divisions within the Prime Minister’s The People’s Alliance (PA) party may have contributed to the postponement of the Presidential nomination in Parliament yesterday. The nomination for the new President was scheduled as item four on the agenda but was unexpectedly withdrawn following disagreements among party members regarding the government’s nominee.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who has not disclosed his preferred candidate, acknowledged the concerns raised about some of the nominees. “I won’t share specifics, but I can confirm that there was discomfort with the nominees, which was communicated to me by the Honourable Speaker,” Mr. Rabuka stated. “I requested to withdraw my nomination, and he likely conferred with the Leader of Opposition as well. In fairness to both sides, we couldn’t proceed while there were uncertainties regarding the nominees.”
Sources suggest that the government initially showed support for Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who was anticipated to receive backing from the Group of Nine bloc, steered by Ioane Naivalurua. However, internal factions within the PA party are advocating for alternative candidates, including Ratu Epenisa Cakobau (The Vunivalu) and Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci (Tui Nadi), who were proposed during the party’s recent annual general assembly in the West.
This report also indicates that other coalition parties have endorsed the Prime Minister’s recommendation for extending Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s current term as President of Fiji. Prominent contender Ratu Vuniyani stated that he was unaware of his nomination but recognized receiving support from PA members across the Central, Eastern, and Western divisions.
“When I learned that three divisions had nominated me, I decided not to decline,” Ratu Vuniyani remarked. “In my heart, I knew I was destined for the presidency, and I was prepared to accept that role.” His recent resignation as party president during an executive council meeting has further fueled speculation about his candidacy.