Key politicians yet to decide future as election race heats up
However, several prominent politicians of leading parties remain undecided about their political futures.
Tuesday 25 August 2026 | 07:00
Those yet to confirm whether they will contest are former SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka, National Federation Party (NFP) members Lenora Qereqeretabua and Pio Tikoduadua and Opposition MP Premila Kumar.
With political parties gathering pace in the race to the next General Election the People’s Alliance (PA) has received more than 130 expressions of interest.
However, several prominent politicians of leading parties remain undecided about their political futures.
Those sitting on the fence and yet to confirm whether they will contest are former SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka, National Federation Party (NFP) members Lenora Qereqeretabua and Pio Tikoduadua and Opposition MP Premila Kumar.
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Ms Qereqeretabua, who is deputy speaker and assistant minister for foreign affairs, said she was till praying about her decision.
Mr Tikoduadua, the Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, said he was weighing his options.
Mr Gavoka, who has served three terms, said he was discussing his political future with his family.
“As you know, I will be finishing three terms by the end of this. So, we are not there yet. There’s still a couple of months to go, three more sittings of Parliament and then we’ll decide,” he said.
He did not indicate whether continuing in politics would mean standing again for SODELPA.
Ms Kumar is understood to have been approached by some political parties.
“No comment,” she said when asked whether she would contest the election.
The uncertainty among established politicians comes as PA said it received more than 130 expressions of interest from potential candidates.
Those listed include Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua, Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna and Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has confirmed he will contest the election under the PA banner.
Assistant Minister for Public Works and Transport Naisa Tuinaceva said: “I am working with the Government, with the Prime Minister.”
Inia Seruiratu’s People First Party includes Rinesh Sharma, Jone Usamate, Parveen Bala, Semi Koroilavesau, Vijay Nath, Virendra Lal, Hem Chand, Alvick Maharaj and Joseph Nand.
