Uncertain Future for Coalition Government, PM Has 7 Days
The future of the coalition Government hangs in the balance as SODELPA drafts an ultimatum that could collapse the eight-month-old administration.
Friday 01 September 2023 | 15:27
The future of the coalition Government hangs in the balance as SODELPA drafts an ultimatum that could collapse the eight-month-old administration.
A letter is expected to be delivered by party leader Viliame Gavoka to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, outlining SODELPA's grievances for not honouring the kingmaker's terms of agreement.
Mr Rabuka will have seven days after receipt of the letter with which to respond, or else SODELPA threatens to defect to FijiFirst.
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The resolution emanated after a SODEPLPA management board meeting last Friday, where members voiced concerns over what they called lies from the ruling The People’s Alliance (PA) party.
In its initial letter of concern to the Mr Rabuka dated January 12, and in a subsequent follow-up on June 12, SODELPA questioned PA’s turnaround time to meet its demands.
SODELPA said it had ‘had enough’, and felt it was ‘conned’ into its role as kingmakers in the coalition.
Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, directed Fiji Sun queries to party general secretary, Sakiasi Ditoka, who was in Nairai, Lomaiviti, where internet reception is poor.
National Federation Party president, Pio Tikoduadua, said the coalition had to deal with SODELPA grievances.
“I am unaware of an ultimatum,” he said.
“I only hope good sense will prevail.”
Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, was confident last night of a breakthrough that favoured FijiFirst.
“We will not always be Opposition, we are a Government in waiting,” he said.
“We want to move Fiji forward.
“We are the biggest political party on our own in Parliament.”
Mr Seruiratu said FijiFirst was better placed to meet SODELPA’s demands.
“Everything is subject to negotiations,” he said about SODELPA’s terms of agreement, which included reinstating the Great Council of Chiefs – which FijiFirst party leader, Voreqe Bainimarama, had abolished.
Coalition agreement
SODELPA wants a nominee to the:
- Electoral Commission
- Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission
- Public Service Commission.
The party also wants five diplomatic mission postings including :
- United Kingdom
- Washington DC, and
- a roving ambassador to Pacific Island Nations.
It also wants a $90 million settlement paid to the University of the South Pacific.
In the 2023-2024 national budget, the Government allocated $53.5 million as payment for the grant.
Feedback: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj
