Leader of Fiji’s main opposition political party SODELPA Viliame Gavoka seems unfazed that only a handful of the parties’ 21 seating parliamentarians, with four of them, himself included, among its first batch of provisional candidates announced to contest the 2022 General Elections.
He said he sees capable replacements in the 28-member line-up that comprises five females, three of them are among 20 new faces named alongside familiar names in the party’s ranks.
The 28-member list include seating parliamentarians Anare Jale, Mikaele Leawere and Tanya Waqanika; and former MPs in Mere Samisoni, Semesa Karavaki, Kiniviliame Kiliraki and Josefa Dulakiverata. Other notable names in the line-up include former Permanent Secretary for Local Government Jovilisi Suveinakama, former CEO of South Pacific Tourism Organisation Ilisoni Vuidreketi, former Roko Tui Peni Sokia, former high school teacher Peni Senikarawa, and former military officer Seremaia Tuiteci who reportedly formed and tried to register a new party in 2021 to contest the forthcoming elections as well.
Also in the list are Uraia Rasake, Sitiveni Naciriyawa, Koroi Tikoilomaloma, Jese Balenaivalu, Sitiveni Vodo, Keni Turagabeci, Paula Navunisaravi, Lydia Elana Lazel, Jacob Lanyon, Umesh Chand, Mereoni Rakatia, Temalesi Dinati, Jese Volau, Tevita Cokanasiga, and Lepani Toko.
Burebasaga paramount chief Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa who indicated she would not be contesting the elections, remains in the party’s fold as one of its VP and was recently appointed to the its selection committee.
Aseri Radrodro is another of SODELPA’s seating MPs who has reportedly reapplied to represent the party and is expected to be among the 27 names to be announced later.
Of their other seating parliamentarians, Gavoka told Mai TV that he harbours “no hard feelings” towards them, and they have every right to select the party of their choosing.
That aside, Gavoka said he was pleased with the caliber of candidates named saying that they are highly educated and expertise in their respective fields, and whose know-how would benefit Fijians if SODELPA is elected to government.
For more on the interview, please tune into the Tali Magimagi show scheduled for 8pm tomorrow, only on Mai TV.
