SODELPA president Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, yesterday spoke highly of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s development programmes during the Naitasiri Bose Vanua at Serea Village.

He said the programmes had benefitted the people, something that was missing in the past.

As for the party leadership, the Tui Cakau said his term as president and Ro Teimumu Kepa’s term as party leader were coming to end.

“We’re not going to come back and the party now expects a new leadership,” he said.

He advised those at the meeting to choose their new leaders well. He said there were challenges that they had to encounter as they moved forward to the 2018 elections, but as they moved forward the party would need to stand united.

During the Bose Vanua one participant had requested that Naitasiri should have more candidates in the 2018 general elections. Ratu Naiqama replied that would be up to the new party leader.

“The new leader will be responsible to map out a new way forward for the party,” he said.

SODELPA general secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi confirmed the new leader would be selected on July 24 by the party board and announced during the annual general meeting at the Fijian Teachers Association hall at Knolly Street, Suva, on June 25.

There are five party leader nominees – Sitiveni Rabuka nominated by Cakaudrove, Anare Jale – Lau/Nasinu, Ratu Isoa Tikoca – Tailevu, and Viliame Gavoka – Nadroga.

Two names will be selected from the five after the candidates are screened by a committee, and one name will be announced from the top two.

The second candidate will come in automatically, should something happen to the first candidate.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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