SODELPA demands a Stop of the Reshuffle.

The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has requested that Aseri Radodro and Ifereimi Vasu retain their respective portfolios until the next SODELPA Management Board meeting, scheduled for October 25.

This follows the announcement of a Cabinet reshuffle last Friday.

SODELPA has written to the Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau yesterday morning.

SODELPA general secretary Viliame Takayawa said this would allow the management board to be consulted on the Cabinet reshuffle, with the respective ministers mandated to comply with the management board’s decision.

“In a formal letter sent to the Prime Minister, SODELPA emphasised its commitment to the Coalition Agreement and the importance of consultation with coalition partners on matters of great significance,” Mr Takayawa said.

“The letter conveyed the party’s deep concern that the Cabinet reshuffle, which involved two SODELPA Cabinet ministers, was executed without proper advice to the party.

“SODELPA reaffirmed its respect for the Prime Minister’s authority to appoint ministers, in line with the provisions of the 2013 Constitution. However, the party drew attention to Section 5(a) of the Coalition Agreement, which mandates consultation with coalition partners in such matters.”

The party’s constitution, under Section 23, outlines provisions for SODELPA’s engagement in a coalition scenario, emphasising the need for agreement on policies and programmes to be scrutinised and approved by the management board.

The coalition agreement empowers SODELPA as a party to have a say in significant decisions, Mr Takayawa said.

“SODELPA stressed that its ministers are obligated to report to the party via the Party Management Board and that the management board serves as the governing body of the party, setting its strategic direction.

“The party’s participation in the Coalition Government was accepted after careful negotiations, and the party’s ministers serve as representatives of the party, with specific obligations outlined in the SODELPA Constitution.”

Mr Takayawa stressed the importance of adhering to the principles and values outlined in the Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures Act 2013, with potential legal and political implications for non-compliance.

He expressed SODELPA’s commitment to resolving the situation through dialogue and adherence to the principles of the Coalition Agreement.

The party hopes for a timely and amicable resolution, but has not ruled out the possibility of seeking judicial review over the directives in Court, should it become necessary.

“SODELPA reiterates its commitment to the integrity of the Coalition Government, the principles of the coalition agreement, and the interests of its members and supporters.”

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