Lynda Tabuya’s fate: Come what may

Prime Minister and People’s Alliance (PA) leader Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed readiness to accept the potential expulsion of Lynda Tabuya, one of PA’s top-polling politicians, following the findings of the party’s national legal and disciplinary sub-committee.

The committee is set to present its recommendation today regarding the former Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, dismissed by Mr Rabuka on December 26, 2024.

Her dismissal followed the leak of an explicit video on Christmas eve, which she admitted was authentic and intended for her ex-husband, Robert Semaan, whom she divorced in 2016.

Mr Rabuka said the committee’s advice would guide the party’s next steps.

“It will come to us when we meet as the People’s Management Committee and the People’s Executive Committee,” he said.

He affirmed the party’s commitment to the committee’s recommendations unless “very good grounds…” emerge to oppose them.

“It’s a committee we established for purposes like this. We are duty-bound to listen and comply with their recommendations,” he added.

Political independence an option 

Should the committee recommend expulsion, Ms Tabuya could remain in Parliament as an independent MP under constitutional provisions.

Her political future now rests on the outcome of the committee’s deliberations.

Polling powerhouse at stake 

Ms Tabuya’s removal would mark a significant shift for PA and the Coalition Government. In the 2022 General Election, she secured 11,965 votes, making her the highest-polling female politician and the fourth-highest overall, trailing only former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Her exceptional polling results were unmatched by any sitting minister or assistant minister within the Coalition Government.

PA general secretary Sila Balawa confirmed the committee’s findings would be submitted by the end of today.

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