By Shalveen Chand, The Fiji Sun,13 Aug 2020
While a few names in SODELPA’s leadership bid came as no surprise, the big reveal was Filimoni Vosarogo, who applied for the deputy leadership post.
His name and others were confirmed yesterday as some of the line-ups in the party leader and deputy roles. The applications for the positions closed yesterday at 4 pm. Mr Vosarogo confirmed registering his intention for the deputy party leader post.
Mr Vosarogo entered politics in 2014 with his One Fiji Party. While he garnered 2788 votes, the current electoral system did not allow him to enter the House.
Leader of Opposition and current parliamentary leader Sitiveni Rabuka is among those who have applied to lead the party.
Mr Rabuka confirmed sending his application and said he would make further comments when the selections were finalised.
Viliame Gavoka said he had applied previously in 2016 for the party leader post and was doing so this year as well.
“There is a lot of depth in the party and I believe all those who feel they can lead the party should stake their interest,” he said.
Ro Filipe Tuisawau confirmed that he had applied for both posts, the party leader’s and the deputy party leader’s.
“I do want to state that whoever gets selected should be supported. As a party, we have to come together as one. This is moving in the right direction,” he said. “The environment is very positive for us and we need to build on this, we have to support whoever gets selected.”
Aseri Radrodro also applied for both posts. And so has Pio Tabaiwalu.
Niko Nawaikula applied for deputy party leader and said there were senior people who could lead the party.
Anare Jale refused to comment on the matter but it is believed he has thrown in his bid to lead the party.
It is believed that Mosese Bulitavu and Lynda Tabuya have also applied for the deputy position.
SODELPA general secretary Emele Duituturaga said all names received as at 4pm yesterday would be put forward to the Working Committee.
“This is a very comprehensive process and we would make the announcement on November 28 at the SODELPA Annual General Meeting,” she said.
Also in the party leader bid is former politician Ratu Jone Navakamocea.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
