The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) says it believes it has a bigger supporter base in the Western and Northern divisions.

This is why it is hosting its annual general meeting at Namoli Village in Lautoka this Saturday.

Party Leader and former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka says SOLDEPA has every reason to host its AGM out of Suva.

“Most of our voters and supporters are out there in the rural areas in the Western and the Northern divisions,” he said.

“Unfortunately the logistics for having one AGM in the maritime zone will be too high for a party that is struggling with finances.

“Going to the Western Division will not be much more expensive than having it in Suva.”

Mr Rabuka said when they looked at the number of provinces that had easy access to Suva, there were more provinces with easier access to Lautoka.

“It will be a straightforward AGM. We will have the motions brought up according to the national rules and regulations govern meetings of registered bodies and we will do what is according to the law,” he said.

SODELPA’s manifesto for the 2018 General Election will be highlighted at the AGM.

Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka said he was not worried about a poll finding that Opposition Leader and SODELPA member Ro Teimumu Kepa having more supporters in the Northern Division.

The SODELPA leader made the remark after the Fiji Sun/Razor poll revealed in the latest poll showed Ro Teimumu polled 17 per cent and Mr Rabuka scored five per cent in the Northern Division.

“For the Northern Division, although it is my area because my village is in the North and my projects have mostly been in Cakaudrove, I am very encouraged that Ro Teimumu has so much support from the North,” he said.

“And for them to show much of a support for her and considering the fact that we both are in one political party, I am very much encouraged and pleased with the support.

“Ro Teimumu will work for them, I will work for them. All the candidates and all the members of the Parliament elected will work for everybody in Fiji,” Mr Rabuka said.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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