Rabuka defends President Ratu Wiliame's Second Term

Rift within the People's Alliance Party came to light during its general assem­bly in Lautoka yesterday, as members questioned the party's stance on the nomina­tion of the next President of Fiji.

The query was raised by supporters at Hotel 2000. They asked if a nominee had been put forward, given the approaching end of the cur­rent President's term.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was ap­pointed by the FijiFirst government on Octo­ber 22, 2021. He was sworn in a month later.

Under the 2013 Constitution, Fiji's President is appointed by Parliament for a three-year term, stirring speculation about who may suc­ceed him.

Party leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said there was no motion to nominate a candidate at the assembly had been officially tabled.

He revealed that following the 2022 elections, several factions attempted to exert pressure on both the President and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander.

However, Mr Rabuka noted that both men resisted such influence, remaining firm in their roles.

"We discussed who should take up the presidency and who would be the par­ty's nominee," Mr Rabuka said.

He added the current President had been informed of these discussions, especially as social media and internal divisions might escalate the issue.

Mr Rabuka also warned that nomi­nating someone else would be inappro­priate, as no Fijian President had ever served only one term.

"In deference to the previous govern­ment that appointed Tui Macuata, we should give him another term," the par­ty leader said.

"He's performed well, acted within the Constitution, and deserves our re­spect."

Only a handful of PA ministers were present during the meeting. They are: Mr Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Vati­mi Rayalu, Sakiasi Tubuna, Esrom Im­manuel and Jese Saukuru.

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