A new row has broken out in SODELPA.

This time it’s over the process of selecting a new national treasurer for the party. The target of attacks is outgoing general secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi.

It has heightened the tension that grips the party over other disputes as it builds up to the much-anticipated management board meeting tomorrow and the General Assembly on Friday in Savusavu. The controversy over the venue had earlier rocked the party. Those who had opposed it, preferring Suva gave in at the end.

The attacks against Adi Litia have come from the Suva and Lami constituencies.

One email from the Lami constituency to acting president Anare Jale called on him to stop the interview process. It said this was on the basis of complaints against Adi Litia and former president Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on governance issues.

An interview of two shortlisted candidates was conducted on Monday. It had been claimed that the vacancy had not been advertised.

In an email to the complainants, Adi Litia said she was sending them a copy of the newspaper advertisement, which was published in January.

“It is amazing how enormous information has been passed around bordering on character assassination and defamation,” she said.

Clarifying the issue further yesterday, Adi Litia said: “The interview for the treasurer position is part of the process of recruitment, which the party had undertaken from January this year.

“Two applications were received and both applicants were interviewed. The Suva and Lami constituencies thought the position was not advertised. A copy of the advertisement was sent to them. The Management Board is the appointing authority for the treasurer appointment.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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