Rewa chief Ro Filipe Tuisawau has emerged as the latest potential candidate for the SODELPA deputy leader post.

The professional business consultant and the Rewa Rugby Union president yesterday attended a workshop for the party’s provisional candidates in Suva.

His photos were posted on social media by a party member Isikeli Tabakaucoro Komaisavai with a note in iTaukei: Ro Filipe Tuisawau- Sa dei edaidai na nona tikite ni SODELPA. Vinaka vakalevu.” Basically, it says Ro Filipe’s ticket is confirmed today.

Adi Litia Qionibaravi, the party’s general secretary, said yesterday she could not comment on a social media post.

She said official announcements were made on SODELPA’s official Facebook page.

But Ro Filipe’s workshop attendance virtually confirmed his provisional candidature, which is likely to be announced at the party’s special General Assembly at Nawanawa Hall, Nadera, Nasinu, on September 1.

The meeting will seek a special resolution to amend the party’s constitution “to establish the deputy leader position and to establish a mechanism to enable acting appointments on vacancies in offices established under the constitution”.

This will prepare the party in the event that party leader Sitiveni Rabuka loses his court case and his leadership.

The deputy leader could act in the role until a new leader is appointed.

Ro Filipe is expected to influence the dynamics in the selection process with his chiefly and professional background.

His father, Ratu Mosese Tuisawau, was a National Federation Party politician and senator.

He was also a member of Parliament for the Fijian Nationalist Party. Ratu Mosese was the half brother of the late Adi Lady Lala Mara and Ro Teimumu Kepa, the current Opposition Leader.

It is understood that Ro Teimumu, the paramount chief of Rewa and the Burebasaga Confedracy (Roko Tui Dreketi), has given him her blessings.

She is the provincial nominee while Ro Filipe is expected to stand in the open seat.

In the 2006 General Election, Ro Teimumu stood for SDL (Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua) from Rewa. She won her seat. Ro Filipe lost as an independent, but captured 38 per cent of the votes.

He is expected to be a major asset for the party in the context of the young voters as a role model.

He is a teetotaller and a devout Christian, an active member of the Assemblies of God church. His association with Rewa rugby gives him the opportunity to touch base with young people.

Other potential candidates for the deputy leader battle are: Viliame Gavoka, Anare Jale, Aseri Radrodro, Niko Nawaikula, Salote Radrodro, Lynda Tabuya and Semesa Karavaki.

Ro Filipe’s background:

Education: Educated at Queen Victoria School. Gained Bachelor of Arts Education and Political Science at University of the South Pacific. Gained Masters degree in Business, Massey University, New Zealand.

Work Experience: Lecturer at USP; Managerial post at Air Terminal Services Fiji Ltd; Human Resources Adviser at Pacific Tourism; Worked for Market Development, an Australian-aid project; Consultant with Vanuatu Financial Services Commission; Change management consultant at the Melanesian Spearhead Group overseeing the reform process. Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj