As the 2022 General Election nears, some Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) members will be heading towards Sitiveni Rabuka’s People’s Alliance party.

Four of the current Members of Parliament, when asked if they would leave SODELPA for Mr Rabuka’s party, said they were SODELPA members only until the end of their terms.

Niko Nawaikula said he was part of SODELPA until the end of his term.

“We are currently members of SODELPA, if we say otherwise, we could be disciplined and removed from the party,” he said.

“But we cannot say anything until our term is over.”

Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he was a member of SODELPA until his term legally ends and thereafter, he would make the decision.

Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, said the decision on which party he would contest would be based on the decision of his vanua, his people.

“The vanua will be meeting in November and they will make a decision on which party I should represent, until then I am with SODELPA.”

Inosi Kuridrani said he would not say anything until his term as an Opposition MP was over.

The indications that SODELPA members had been working to promote Mr Rabuka’s party were there.

It is alleged that a parliamentarian transported people from Namatukula in Nadroga to sign in support for Rabuka’s party and another used his influence in Namosi to get support.

SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka denied there was a break in party. He said there was a small but vocal group that did not accept his appointment as leadership but that was over because all the focus was on the elections.

As to the question concerning current SODELPA members who allegedly helped Mr Rabuka get support for his party, Mr Gavoka said he did not have any information on this.

“We investigate those that work against the party and if proven, they are out. No, I am not aware of an MP lobbying for another party. That is a no, no with SODELPA,” Mr Gavoka said.

Fiji Sun will reach out to more SODELPA MPs today.

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