Only seven sitting parliamentarians of Fiji’s main opposition party SODELPA will be contesting the forthcoming 2022 General Elections under the party banner, party leader Viliame Gavoka confirms.
Gavoka confirmed the news whilst naming 12 more provisional candidates in Suva today, among them, Aseri Radrodro and Simione Rasova as well as former Fiji Corrections Commissioner Ifereimi Vasu.
Radrodro and Rasova bring to seven the number of seating SODELPA MPs returning to contest the forthcoming elections alongside Gavoka, Anare Jale, Mikaele Leawere, Tanya Waqanika and Mere Samisoni who were named in April.
“This is it,” Gavoka said when asked over the status of the remainder of its sitting MPs including Mosese Bulitavu, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Jese Saukuru, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Mitieli Bulanauca, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Inosi Kuridrani, Salote Radrodro, Adi Litia Qionibaravi, and Jone Seniloli.
Also among the 12 named today are former head of schools, community and social worker Ana Kulaniloga, educator Pauliasi Matawalu, former police officer Hazrat Ali, Real estate developer Bulivou Ratu, social worker Osea Vitukalulu, human resources and youth advocate Shweta Singh, agricultural officer and vanua issues advocate Eliki Batirokomoro, former journalist and former PR for iTLTB and Airports Fiji Limited Sireli Korovulavula and former ATH Chief Executive Tomasi Vakatora
Vakatora is making a return to SODELPA after having jumped ship to join Unity Fiji in the 2018 elections. He contested the 2014 elections under the SODELPA banner, then resigned to link up with Unity Fiji in 2018.
Meanwhile, the latest 12 brings to 39 the number of provisional candidates SODELPA has named so far.
