The People’s Alliance Party today finalised their list of provisional candidates, comprising around 15 per cent females and 85 per cent males with some notable names including former Permanent Secretary to the PM’s Office Parmesh Chand, trade unionist Daniel Urai, and eight who recently resigned from SODELPA, joining the party’s 55-member list excluding Liliana Pareti-Warid, and Sajal Narayan.
The party’s 55 proposed candidates are as follows: Sitiveni Rabuka, Manoa Kamikamica, Lynda Tabuya, Daniel Lobendahn, Filimoni Vosarogo, Sakiasi Ditoka, Sadasivan Naicker, Lavenia Kaumaitotoya, Pritam Singh Shokar, Jalesi Nakarawa, Jessica Naevo, Siromi Turaga, Vatimi Rayalu, Felix Magnus, Mereseini Baleilevuka. Cecil Brown, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu, Tevita Boseiwaqa, Tomasi Tunabuna, Peceli Rinakama, Mereoni Duaibe, Napolioni Nasara, Noa Seru, Rajendra Prasad, Semi Leiwere, Jacob Kautake, Sila Balawa, Apisalome Vunisa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, Inosi Kuridrani, Jese Saukuru, Kalaveti Vodo, Isireli Leweniqila, Maciu Katamotu, Mitieli Bulanauca, Ratu Tevita Navurelevu, Peceli Vosanibola, Kitione Radrodro, Meretui Ratunabuabua, Amjad Ali, Jovesa Vocea, Iliesa Sovui Vanawalu, Ratu Sikeli Tuwailevu, Charan Jeath Singh, Parmesh Chand, Esromy Immanu’el, Alitia Bainivalu, Peni Tove Drodrolagi, Filipe Nainoca, Sakiusa Tubuna, Daniela Urai and Bulou J Gavidi.
Commenting on the line-up, party leader Mr Rabuka said the proposed candidates were selected on merit after a process that included interviews, ability to project the image of the party, and their vote-ability or the degree of support for each candidate.
On the exclusion of Pareti-Warid, Mr Rabuka appeared to attribute it to her vote-ability after having pointed out that she did well in her representation of the party.
Speaking to the media in Suva today, Ms Pareti-Warid said she was disappointed at first when she was informed about being sidelined, but has since accepted the party’s decision.
“I came today knowing that I was on the reserves list and ensure that if one of the candidates, for some reason ruled out, then we will step up,” she said.
“I am still 100 per cent loyal to the People’s Alliance party.For me this journey is a win-win, whether I get into parliament or not, I’ve learned so much, my work that I have been doing, is not just so that I can get a seat in parliament , its because i have an opportunity to serve.”
In terms of gender perspective, Ms Pareti-Warid is of the view that dropping her was a mistake, and does not augur well in efforts to encourage more women participation in the political space.
“The party leader has his reasons for doing it, but you know, as a woman, these are the things that kind of put people off because we put ourselves out there, there the sacrifice, and we are still mums and still wives, and then for something like this to happen so close to the election can be a shock.”
Meanwhile, Sajal is another notable absentee from the list. He was one of the party’s first 12 proposed candidates announced in May.
