Social Democratic Liberal Party’s (SODELPA) general secretary, Lenaitasi Duru, says he does not care about party defectors.

It comes as more SODELPA MPs shift their political support to other parties. Ro Filipe Tuisawau has been guarded about his political career.

However, there has been strong indication that he will stand under The People’s Alliance banner in the 2022 General Election.

Another outspoken member of the party, Mosese Bulitavu, has been seen actively supporting FijiFirst policies on his Facebook page.

He was one of the three SODELPA MPs who supported the 2022-2023 National Budget. The other two were Aseri Radrodro and Mere Naulumatua.

Other SODELPA parliamentarians who have not reapplied for a ticket to contest in the elections are Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Adi Litia Qionabaravi, Mikaele Leawere, Dr Antonio Lalabalavu, Peceli Vosanibola, Inosi Kuridrani, Mitieli Bulanauca and Jese Saukuru. Meanwhile, only seven sitting parliamentarians have confirmed they will contest the election under the SODELPA banner.

They are Mr Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Viliame Gavoka, Anare Jale, Mikaele Leawere, Tanya Waqanika and Ms Naulumatua.

Ro Filipe

When contacted yesterday, Ro Filipe could neither confirm nor deny that he had applied for The PA ticket.

“I cannot reveal any details of my next political move,” he said.

“But, I can confirm to you that I will be making a public announcement after next week’s Parliament sitting.

“I need to complete my term in Parliament before handing in my resignation to the Social Democratic Liberal Party and making a public announcement.

“This is what I was voted for,” he said.

Mr Bulitavu

As for Mr Bulitavu, he highlighted on his Facebook page: “Only the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has ensured that there are fair distribution in leases and committee of better utilisation of land lease was paid to landowners for those who are continuing with their cane lease.

“Landowners look forward to iTaukei Land Trust Board committee of better utilisation of land payments every now and then that assists them in their soqo needs,” he said.

“Mr Bainimarama has ensured tenant’s security while Rabuka watched on as bulk of cane leases expired in the late 90’s that displaced many indo-Fijian farmers in Vanua Levu who had to resettle and squatter between Suva-Nausori corridor.”

SODELPA Stance

Mr Duru said: “I do not care what they do, they are now insignificant to the Social Democratic Liberal Party. “They should go to where they are moving to.”

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