Messages of support poured in from SODELPA members for Sainiana Radrodro, wife of member of Parliament Aseri Radrodro, over a motion to expel her.

As the controversy grew, it became clear yesterday that there was a motion and a letter tabled together at the party’s annual general meeting at Namoli Village, Lautoka, on Saturday.

The motion seeking Mrs Radrodro’s expulsion was submitted by the US SODELPA Tovata group.

The letter, written by Ratu Sireli Vesikula, president of US SODELPA Tailevu, called for unity.

Because they were presented at the same time it created the confusion that Ratu Sireli had signed the motion.

In his letter, Ratu Isireli had said the last thing SODELPA needed right now was disunity because the election was near.

He said he would not move any motion to expel a party member.

Because the letter countered the motion officials did not put it forward for discussion.

The fallout from that motion continues to rattle the party.

It shows a party still divided by differences that are complex and difficult to fix in a short period of time.

The emergence of provincialism through the setting up of provincial constituencies has stoked feelings.

Mrs Radrodro is from Kiuva, Bau, Tailevu with family links to Naivuruvuru, Verata, and Naroi, Moala.

She also comes from a widely respected family background deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the province. The attack against her was seen as an attack on her whole family ties.

If postings on social media are anything to go by, they clearly show a lot of support for Mrs Radrodro.

Mr and Mrs Radrodro are among the most hardworking SODELPA members.

Their supporters from Tailevu, Naitasiri and Rewa find the motion offensive and unacceptable.

The motion had called for her expulsion for speaking her mind on social media.

The fact that the motion went as far as it did surprised some members, who felt it should have been dropped earlier.

Others argue, however, that would contradict the party’s position on freedom of expression.

By the same token why would Mrs Radrodro be penalised for expressing herself on social media?

But, these are questions that SODELPA will have to grapple with as it moves ahead.

They show that there are still differences that need to be sorted out.

The motion underscores  that some people in SODELPA  do not like the Radrodros speaking out. They are wary of them. This is not the end of the matter. Expect the  row to continue unless there is a genuine attempt for the two rival groups to sit down and settle their differences.

Edited by Percy Kean

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