Two SODELPA representatives who allegedly went off script during their submission on Bill 32 before the Special Parliamentary Committee may face disciplinary action following complaints from party supporters and provisional candidates.
Party lawyer Jolame Uludole and SODELPA candidate Savenaca Komaisavai made the submission on Friday and called for return of land, including freehold land to the iTaukei.
SODELPA leader Aseri Radrodro, in a video message, confirmed that the party would address concerns arising from the controversial submission through its internal disciplinary processes.
“We are aware of the considerable concern this matter has caused, and we have received calls from within our SODELPA support base, even from our provisional candidates, raising concerns and asking for disciplinary actions to be taken,” Mr Radrodro said.
“I want to assure our members and supporters that any concern or matters arising from this incident will be addressed internally, in accordance with the provisions and processes of our party constitution.”
Mr Radrodro said the two representatives had been authorised by the party’s management board to present SODELPA’s official position on Bill 32 but had instead expressed personal views.
“Regrettably, they went off script and spoke out of turn, which is completely unacceptable,” he said.
He clarified that the party’s management board had not authorised the representatives to raise the issue of freehold land during the committee hearing on Friday, November 13.
“These remarks are solely the personal views of the two gentlemen who spoke, and must not in any way be taken as a SODELPA policy position.”
Mr Radrodro said the party’s official position on Bill 32, covering eight key issues, had already been formally submitted to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
“Hence, shifting the goalpost in this manner is deeply regrettable and should never have occurred.”
He also issued a public apology over the incident.
“To the people of Fiji, I offer my sincere apology. You deserve clarity. You deserve leadership you can trust.”
Mr Radrodro acknowledged shortcomings in the party’s internal processes and said the leadership would ensure greater accountability in future official representations.
“As party leader of SODELPA, I am not here to deflect responsibility.”
He said the party would learn from the controversy and move forward.
However, no formal disciplinary action against the two representatives has been announced.
