Eleven of the Social Democratic Liberal Party’s (SODELPA) 21 parliamentarians have yet to register their interest to contest next year’s general election.
One of the 11, Mosese Bulitavu, says SODELPA will not win under Viliame Gavoka’s leadership and many MPs The Fiji Times spoke to were tight-lipped as to their future with the party.
General secretary Lenaitasi Duru said the MP’s were given time to submit their expression of interest and they were also given extensions.
He said four of the MPs had pending matters in court while two senior MPs had already informed the party they would not be contesting the election.
The party secured 21 seats in Fiji’s 51-member Parliament.
Mr Duru said the party needed to maintain its focus and at the same time work together.
He said the party would announce its first batch of candidates after the November 19 management board meeting.
AT A GLANCE:
The Fiji Times spoke to MPs and here’s what they had to say:
- Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa – “I choose not to comment on the issue”.
- Tui Namuka Ratu Tevita Niumataiwalu – “I haven’t made up my mind. I have to sit with my constituency and decide on what is the next step for me. Applications are still open until next year.”
- Dr Antonio Lalabalavu – “I haven’t applied for a ticket yet under SODELPA or any other party. In fact the decision on what is the next step for me would come from the members of the constituencies who chose me in the first place.”
- Peceli Vosanibola – “I haven’t applied for a seat yet. I am waiting for my constituency to elect their representative to the next election and for them to choose which party I will be contesting under.”
- Niko Nawaikula – “Will continue to support SODELPA until the end of my term in Parliament.” He said he would need to determine whether the party would continue to fight on the principles he stood for.
- Meanwhile, Lynda Tabuya, Salote Radrodro and Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua could not be reached for comments.
- Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu did not respond to questions texted to him via SMS.
