Axe Falls On Tuiteci For Outbursts On Social Media

Just one day after Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) leader Viliame Gavoka endorsed his support for Seremaia Tuiteci, the party secretary removed the provisional candidate

During a public panel discussion last Thursday, Mr Gavoka made it clear that Tuibeci was not a threat to the party and he was okay with him there.

The SODELPA representative for the Ba constituency was removed on Saturday following a party management board’s decision.

SODELPA secretary, Lenaitasi Duru, said Mr Tuiteci’s outbursts on social media could not be resolved, hence his termination.

“In addition, we also extend our apologies to the former and current students of numerous all-girls schools such as Adi Cakobau School, Jasper William High School, St Joseph Secondary School and Ballantine Memorial School who were also attacked on social media by Mr Tuiteci,” he said.

Mr Duru said Mr Tuiteci’s non-co-operation and hostile behaviour had prompted the party to remove him even though he was nominated to represent the Ba West constituency.

“SODELPA has been inundated with concerns from party members, supporters and the general public with regards to public and social media out-bursts by Mr Tuiteci. The party decided to deal with these issues internally.

“Unfortunately, we have exhausted the internal processes of the party to seek mediation and found Mr Tuiteci in violation of the following compliance issues:

Laws he breached

• The 2013 Constitution of Fiji, Section 17 (2) and Section 23 (3);
• Online Safety Act 2018, Section 24 (1);
• SODELPA Media & Social Media Policy and Guidelines;
• SODELPA Constitution;
• Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 – Code of Conduct for Political Parties Section 4 (c) and Section 6 (e).

“The naysayers have left the party. However, some have remained after they were convinced that SODELPA really is the only party with values and principles to represent them and their aspirations.

Complaint lodged

Mr Tuiteci has confirmed that he lodged a complaint last week at the Totogo Police against Mr Duru.

It is alleged that Mr Duru swore at him during a party meeting last Wednesday at their head office in Suva. Efforts to get a response from Mr Gavoka were unsuccessful.

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