Viliame Gavoka called on members to unite, in his first media address as SODELPA leader, during which he described his predecessor Sitiveni Rabuka as “an icon and a jah of politics’ whose inclusion will help the party win at least 28 seats in Fiji’s 2022 elections.
Facing members of media today alongside deputy leader Filimoni Vosarogo following the party’s Annual General Meeting where their appointments were endorsed, Gavoka acknowledged that maintaining unity within the party is an aspect that they struggle with.
“SODELPA needs to unite. We don’t deny the fact that unity has been an issue with us, but today we spoke about it very openly,” Gavoka said. “To promote unity…is to focus on issues.”
The issues, according to Gavoka, that would form the basis of the party’s 2022 election campaign is of three components being the economic enhancement of iTaukei the effects of which he says will benefit “everybody” and grow the country’s GDP; free education through tertiary level and improved health system.
“The way forward is clear. We have to win in 2022, and unity is the message we are all taking back.”
The party is also contesting the election through their 28 constituencies, with reps in each constituency headed by “heavy hitters” such as Rabuka to garner needed votes.
