The Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa whose name has been circulated as a potential contender for the Fijian presidency, refutes any interest in the role.
In a statement, the former SODELPA leader outrightly stated: “I am not a contender for the position of President.”
She added that if her name had been proposed, as per reports shared on traditional and social media mediums, it had been done without her knowledge or consent, voicing her disappointment in the handling of the matter.
“I am particularly disappointed that SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa has made statements regarding this without the courtesy of seeking my view or even discussing the matter with me before issuing any statement. To what I recall, the position was initially offered by the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) during the negotiation week at the first Management Board Meeting in December 2022 following the general elections, however, there have been no further discussions since.”
She highlighted the importance of respecting the position of President, expressing concern of the impact such statements may have not only between her and the current holder Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, but also between their respective provinces.
“It concerns me as Roko Tui Dreketi, that my name and title is being promoted as a challenger to our current President, the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and such unfounded statements could easily create a perception that the current relationship between the Tui Macuata and me or between our two provinces or Vanua o Caumatalevu and Burebasaga is strained, which is not the case.
“In fact, I believe the Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata has been doing very well since his appointment and I thought he handled the transfer of power skillfully, following the change of Government in 2022; which ensured that the will of the people and our electoral laws were upheld.
“To avoid any doubt, I wish to place on record my full support for the Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata and his Presidency; and confirm I am not a contender for the position of President.”
