SODELPA general secretary, Lenaitasi Duru, reckons that party dramas are now a thing of the past following the new selection of the party’s executives on Saturday.

The elections was done on the margins of the Special General Meeting at Gospel High School.

“The old SODELPA, where there was a lot of hustling and bustling and internal conflicts,” Mr Duru said.

“The new party executives will ensure there is unity within the party.”

“We believe that the new executives will bring in a breath of fresh air towards their aspirations regarding the General Election.”

Mr Duru made this comment after Na Turaga na Vunivalu e Waimaro, Ratu Manoa Roragaca was elected as the new party’s president.

Ratu Manoa takes over the leadership from Bau chief Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, who did not contest the role. Anare Jale, Roko Avenito Kolikata and Filimoni Soqeta were elected as vice presidents.

Mr Duru said SODELPA was coming to a new age of transition. He said the party was now ready for election.

I Am Ready: Ratu Manoa

In an interview, Ratu Manoa said was ready to serve.

“I never dreamt that I would be elected as the president of SODELPA,” he said.

“I was shocked when my name was announced as a candidate vying for the role.”

“No one applied for the post. Our names were put forward by constituency representatives whereby they then elected who should be the party president.”

“I am happy that the members nominated and elected me as the party president. It will be a huge shoe to fill in as he had done some tremendous work for the party.

“Issue I would like the party to address was the challenges every Fijians are facing.”

With the many people that have attended the meeting, I know that it would be a good year for SODELPA.

“We the executives would be showing our supporters to candidates who will be contesting this year’s election under the SODELPA banner.

He was adamant the party would win this year’s election with the support they received during the special general meeting on Saturday.”

Story by: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA

Feedback: nacanieli@fijisun.com.fj