‘My doctor says I’m fit’: PM Rabuka

Prime Minister and People’s Alliance Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka has brushed aside criticism over his age, saying his doctor has cleared him as fit to contest the 2026 General Election.

Mr Rabuka who is currently 77 years old confirmed outside Parliament yesterday he would be running, directly responding to questions from this masthead about whether his age was a barrier.

“That’s their perception,” Mr Rabuka said directing it at criticisms.

“My doctor says I’m fit. I feel I’m fit enough. My party thinks I’m still able to lead the party. That’s what matters. The people will have to decide.”

Mr Rabuka also acknowledged his party was not fully prepared when the campaign period began, but said they would get ready.

“We were not ready,” he said.

“But now that they have made the announcement, we will have to get ready for it.”

He noted the Electoral Commission, as an independent body, had the authority to declare the campaign start under the constitution – and the People’s Alliance had no say in the timing.

The Electoral Commission officially declared the start of the campaign period on Monday, May 25, 2026, under Section 109A(1) of the Electoral Act 2014.

The election must be held between August 7 this year and February 6, 2027, with the writ able to be issued as early as June 24.

The Commission has urged all parties and candidates to campaign peacefully and lawfully.