Sitiveni Rabuka has urged Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) supporters to get involved in the party’s preparatory efforts towards the 2018 General Elections.

The SODELPA Party Leader and former Prime Minister said the party was ready for the Writ of Elections to be issued at the earliest possible date of April 6.

Under the Constitution, the earliest possible date for issue of the writ of elections is April 6 and the latest is September. If the writ is issued on April 6, election day would take place in mid-May.

Mr Rabuka was speaking at a meeting with the Opposition Leader and SODELPA Parliamentary Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa, na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi. Also present were candidates Tanya Waqanika and Lynda Tabuya.

Mr Rabuka said he was encouraged by the high calibre of candidates and especially encouraged by the women who had stepped forward.

Mr Rabuka added: “The Marama has heeded the call of her vanua to once again stand in the election. We look forward to her continuing her great work as far as recognising and acknowledging the descendants of the Girmitiyas programme and  other development initiatives in Rewa.”

Looking at her fellow women candidates, the Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa said: “I am so happy and proud of the provisionally selected SODELPA women candidates, they are role models, not only for our children, but for our granddaughters.

“I want to make it clear that I support the SODELPA women candidates wholeheartedly: Dr Mere Samisoni, a role model of the role models, honourable Salote Radrodro has worked hard to get to where she is as have hardworking women candidates Mere Ratunabuabua, Lynda Tabuya and Tanya Waqanika.

“I am happy to see the younger generation of the party, Lynda and Tanya, I really hope they get a seat each, and I hope the decision-makers can bring more women to the party.”

Mr Rabuka said: “I commend Lynda Tabuya for her contribution to the party in the short time she has been on board. She has hit the ground running as a candidate.

“I also thank her for her unrelenting efforts for the locked out ATS workers. The party is happy that Lynda has brought her youthful energy and professional expertise together with her vast social media reach to bear on the party campaign  objectives.

“I also recognise Tanya Waqanika, for her support for the party over the years. She is a very strong candidate for Suva and her motto of ‘equality and justice’ no doubt expresses her unrelenting quest for equality and justice for the people of Fiji that she will spearhead and for which she has received support from all over Fiji.”