Fiji’s Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has written to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, requesting that their ministers, Aseri Radrodro and Ifereimi Vasu, retain their portfolios until its management board has had a say on the reshuffle.
In a statement, SODELPA, one of the parties in Fiji’s coalition government, while respecting Rabuka’s authority to appoint ministers, raised concerns about the recent swap of Radrodro and Vasu from their respective ministerial roles in Education and iTaukei Affairs.
Citing the Coalition Agreement’s Section 5(a) mandating consultation with coalition partners and their party’s Constitution’s Section 23 outlining their role within the coalition, SODELPA indicated that their ministers are answerable to its management board. This board, the party states plays a pivotal role in defining the party’s strategic direction. SODELPA suggested that postponing the appointments until their meeting next Wednesday, October 25 would facilitate the board’s input on the cabinet reshuffle.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the situation through dialogue as per the principles of the Coalition Agreement. It has also made it clear that it has not ruled out the possibility of seeking a judicial review in court if necessary.
SODELPA’s stance is the latest addition to the chorus of voices that have been raised following the cabinet reshuffle last week. Another objection pertains to the appointment of Filimoni Vosarogo as Attorney General.
