Tikoduadua says he is ‘looking at options’ ahead of Fiji election
He made the comments as the NFP prepares to announce its first batch of election candidates.
Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 05:30
Updated 18 August 2026 | 12:22 FJT
Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua outside Parliament on August 17, 2026.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua says he is “looking at his options” over whether he will contest the next general election under the National Federation Party (NFP).
Mr Tikoduadua made the comments as the party prepares to announce its first batch of election candidates.
Asked whether he would contest the election under the NFP banner, Mr Tikoduadua said: “I’m looking at my options at this time.”
Related stories
He said he had not been approached by another political party. “No, not really, but I’m looking at my options after this Parliament,” he said.
NFP leader Biman Prasad appeared unaware of Mr Tikoduadua’s comments and dismissed them as a joke. “Maybe he joked with you,” Mr Prasad said.
Mr Tikoduadua and Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, both NFP members in Parliament, have expressed uncertainty about contesting the election under the party banner.
The NFP has yet to announce its first batch of candidates, while other political parties have already named candidates and begun preparations for the election.
Mr Prasad said the NFP had its plans, which would be announced soon.
He said the party would hold its convention on September 26, when the first batch of candidates would be announced.
