Senikuba elected People’s Alliance Women’s Wing president

Bulou Elenoa Senikuba of the Western Division has been elected president of the People’s Alliance Party Women’s Wing following a Special General Meeting held at the Suva Civic Centre on Saturday.

She defeated Central Division candidate Jokapeci Peau Macanawai in what party general secretary Sila Balawa described as “a close contest”. In a show of unity, members agreed that Ms Macanawai would serve as vice president.

The treasurer and secretary positions were filled unopposed by Merewalesi Vodonaiwalu and Walili Qiokata, respectively.

“I’m excited and grateful,” Bulou Elenoa said after her election. “We had women from all over the country, and even Melbourne. It was really encouraging.”

The new president, who previously served as secretary for the party’s Western Division, said she was motivated by a desire to shift perceptions about the party.

“There’s so many negative things out there for our party. I think that is what challenged me. I felt inside me I can help our party by changing the narratives and optics for us through the women,” she said.

The meeting drew hundreds of women from across Fiji, including representatives from Kadavu, Lomaiviti and Vanua Levu, despite road disruptions along Queen’s Road that forced some delegates to travel via Kings Road.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu, who opened the meeting, encouraged women to recognise their leadership potential.

“Never underestimate themselves. They can do anything, and they can be anyone they wish to be,” Ms Bainivalu said.

Mr Balawa said women would play a key role in preparations for the 2026 General Election, highlighting their organisational and coordination skills as essential to campaign efforts.