A chief has stressed the critical role of President and Turaga na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu in any future leadership transition from the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka to a successor, contending that his support offers cultural legitimacy essential to unifying Fiji’s fractured political landscape.
Ratu Naulu Mataitini, a former vice president of the People’s Alliance party has called for both the Prime Minister and the traditional high chief of Cakaudrove to view leadership as a “service rather than entitlement”, saying the weight of their legacy could rest on enabling generational change.
“Ratu Naiqama’s support remains crucial, both as the Prime Minister’s traditional high chief and as a vanua custodian.
“In Fiji, legitimacy derives from both democratic processes and ancestral authority,” Ratu Naulu said.
He said Ratu Naiqama’s backing of a reformist successor would carry immense influence among traditional power structures while also reassuring younger voters wary of entrenched elites.
“As Tui Cakau, his endorsement would provide cultural and political credibility to a reformist successor, reassuring traditionalists while mitigating youth skepticism toward established political structures.”
Citing Ratu Naiqama’s longstanding influence across Vanua Levu, Ratu Naulu described the high chief as a stabilising force in any political transition.
“His influence over Vanua Levu’s constituency, demonstrated through previous political engagements remains essential for stabilising any transition.
“To Prime Minister Rabuka and Turaga Tui Cakau: Your greatest leadership contribution may be the Prime Minister’s willingness to step aside, allowing those who will inherit future challenges to assume leadership.”
