I WILL CONTEST: RABUKA

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed he will also contest the 2026 General Election.

Mr Rabuka made this confirmation despite his recent push for more youth and women leadership among his own political party at a recent party meeting in Lautoka.

When asked if he would consider running for the polls again in 2026, Mr Rabuka answered with a firm, “Yes, I will”.

His statement also puts to rest speculations of a snap election that had been rumored lately among party circles.

Mr Rabuka’s position has been under the spotlight lately with the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner whilst being investigated herself by the corruption watchdog.

Ms Malimali’s appointment has also been under scrutiny as she was appointed when the Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, was due to be charged by FICAC.

Despite the FICAC commissioner appointment is by Judicial Services Commission (JSC), many expected the PM as leader of Government to step in when things started to get messy.

Mr Prasad’s case has been put on hold pending a case review by the new commissioner.

Political party leaders had called on the Prime Minister to intervene and conduct a board of inquiry on the appointment labelling it as an abuse on the independence of the corruption watchdog.

Prime Minister is yet to provide an update on the matter.

However, Ms Malimali’s case had been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, and is now with the Criminal Investigations Department.

PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has clarified that the coalition Government will be deciding on a nominee for the President position soon.

Mr Rabuka had earlier hinted of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was fit for another presidential term however this was opposed during the People’s Alliance assemble in Lautoka two weeks ago.

In an interview with Mr Rabuka, he confirmed that the Government would sit together soon to discuss a nominee.

Ratu Wiliame’s first term ends this November.

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