SODELPA spokespersons?
New Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka and senior members of SODELPA’s parliamentary caucus will be putting their heads together to pick their spokespersons.
It will also be interesting whether the caucus will also decide on a deputy Opposition leader.
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In the last Parliament, no deputy was appointed although it was assumed that Ratu Naiqama Lalalabalavu, sitting next to Ro Teimumu Kepa, was her deputy.
Could he become the declared deputy this time. Traditionally, Ratu Naiqama is Mr Rabuka’s paramount chief of Cakaudrove or Tui Cakau. It might be culturally sensitive for Mr Rabuka to do that.
In the event of that happening who will be number two in the pecking order?
If they base it on the number of votes polled in the election, it would be Lynda Tabuya. Ms Tabuya deserved her success through hard work in the campaign. She lifted SODELPA to new heights in this election.
If selection was based on merit, she would be the obvious choice.
She comes with a lot of positives. She is a lawyer, a mother, a workers’ champion, a grassroots politician. As a woman, she would fill the vacuum left behind by Ro Teimumu and keep the women’s flag flying.
Above all, she is one that Mr Rabuka could trust. She is his niece and she stood with Mr Rabuka throughout the campaign, even during his most difficult times while he was facing a court case.
But some seniors in the party may not be keen on Ms Tabuya because she is a younger woman and new to the party.
There are several contenders who could also carry the youth voice.
BTL has been going through the list of successful SODELPA candidates. It has prepared its list of who could be on Mr Rabuka’s list when he announces his team of spokesperson.
Here’s BTL’s list:
- Peceli Vosanibola: Youth and Sport
- Ro Teimumu Kepa: Housing, Environment and Waterways
- Mitieli Bulanauca: Media and Communications
- Niko Nawaikula: Lands & Mineral Resources
- Jese Saukuru: Business, Commerce, Trade and Investment
- Viliame Gavoka: Tourism
- Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu: Health and Medical Services
- Adi Litia Qionibaravi: Law, Judiciary
- Salote Radrodro: Women, Children, Poverty Alleviation, Opposition Whip
- Mikaele Leawere: Education
- Anare Jale: Public Service, Public Enterprise
- Mosese Bulitavu: Defence, Internal Affairs
- Ro Filipe Tuisawau: iTaukei Affairs
- Lynda Tabuya: Employment, Industrial Relations
- Aseri Radrodro: Economy
- Sitiveni Rabuka: Opposition leader, Foreign Affairs
- Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu: Agriculture
- Simone Rasova: Infrastructure, Transport and Civil Aviation.
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