It would be ideal that when the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) sits again this year after a 11-year hiatus that it would be independent and apolitical.

But history will tell us that since its inception it has been used by politicians to advance their agenda. When Ratu Epenisa Cakobau is installed as the Vunivalu, paramount chief of the Kubuna Confederacy, it will complete the chiefly triumvirate that includes Ro Teimumu Kepa, the Roko Tui Dreketi (paramount chief of Rewa and the Burebasaga Confederacy) and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Tui Cakau (paramount chief of Cakaudrove and the Tovata Confederacy).

All three have been involved in politics so it will be difficult to separate politics from their participation. Ratu Epenisa was the president of SODELPA but did not seek re-election probably in anticipation of his installation. Ro Teimumu (SODELPA) and Ratu Naiqama (The People’s Alliance) contested the 2022 General Election but failed to win a seat.

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Story by: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj