SODELPA GS faces disciplinary review

The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) will soon convene a management board meeting to address growing backlash against its general-secretary, Viliame Takayawa.

This follows his controversial 'Facebook' post that has ruffled feathers within the coalition Government, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka threatening to let go of the party from the coalition.

The post in question accused members of a recent Government trade mission to Tonga of "partying" instead of engaging with the Fijian diaspora, an allegation that has triggered swift condemnation from coalition partners, including PM Rabuka.

SODELPA leader and Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, speaking from Samoa, confirmed that the party's internal disciplinary process was now in motion.

"A party management board meeting has been arranged to discuss the issues raised. A statement will be issued after the MB meeting," Mr Radrodro said.

Mr Takayawa has since issued a formal apology, saying the post reflected second- hand accounts shared by relatives in Tonga and was made in a personal capacity.

Despite this, the post has been viewed as a serious misstep, with many calling for disciplinary action. PM Rabuka acknowledged Mr Takayawa's apology, however, he said the trust in working together with the coalition partners was "now gone".

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