Academic Jone Dakuvula says he was not told he had been confirmed as a candidate nominee for the People’s Democratic Party.

He seemed genuinely surprised yesterday when told he was one of 11 names announced by the PDP yesterday.

‘’Just hold my name. I need to go and have a meeting with them. I haven’t confirmed anything yet,’’ he said.

When asked to explain the miscommunication, PDP secretary general Aman Ravindra Singh insisted Mr Dakuvula knew about his nomination and had confirmed it to the party. Mr Dakuvula currently works as the Registrar of the Fiji National University.

He has had a colourful career in advocacy and worked with top political figures like Sitiveni Rabuka. He has also worked with the Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF).

The eleven named by the Party are:

•Satish Chandra from Tavua, a former trade unionist, social worker, farmer, taxi proprietor;

•Hiroshi Taniguchi who lives in Nadi gave up his Japanese citizenship and acquired Fijian citizenship to contest Fiji’s elections.

He is an educationist and director of the Freebird Language Institute, community worker.

•Kolinio Vuda is a farmer and a community worker from Ra.

•Mahen Lal from Labasa is a former FSC worker, social worker.

•Lekima Lawanitoakula from Ra. A former military officer, social worker.

•Shamal Singh is the president of the Suva PDP branch and a youth advocate.

•Nicholas Baleikoro from Suva is the youngest candidate at 23 years. He is a youth and prisoner rehabilitation advocate, community worker and advocate of the Rainbow Pride Foundation.

•Jeremaia Tuwai is from Nailaga, Ba. He is the district representative in both youth and community worker.

•Amele Wabale hails from Ra. Does domestic duties, community worker.

•Samuela Tui is from Nadroga/Navosa. Former military officer, community worker.

•Jone Dakuvula from Suva. Human rights activist.

The party now has 34 in their line- up to contest the general elections.

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