Majority of SODELPA MPs vote for Ratu Naiqama as Parliamentary Leader despite recommendation to vote for Gavoka

Just days after Viliame Gavoka was elected as SODELPA Leader, he could not get elected as the party’s Parliamentary Leader and Leader of Opposition.

Fijivillage News has received confirmation that SODELPA President, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau had taken a letter of recommendation to be delivered to the SODELPA caucus that they should vote for Gavoka to be the next Parliamentary Leader.

However 14 SODELPA MPs voted for Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu while 5 MPs voted for Gavoka.

When asked if this shows the split within the party as more SODELPA MPs are still Sitiveni Rabuka supporters and did not want Gavoka to take the position, Gavoka says the letter was not a directive.

Gavoka says the party caucus also believes there is a demarcation of roles as they selected Ratu Naiqama to be the new Opposition Leader.

He says he is happy to work with Ratu Naiqama who is an experienced parliamentarian.

When questioned on whether this shows a split and majority of the MPs not wanting Gavoka as Parliamentary Leader, Ratu Naiqama says this is part of politics and they are bound to have differences of views and opinions. Meanwhile SODELPA President, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau has released a statement, congratulating Ratu Naiqama on his election as Leader of the Opposition.

Ratu Epenisa says SODELPA looks forward to the Leader of the Opposition working closely with the Party Leader, Viliame Gavoka as they prepare towards the 2022 General Elections.

He says with a new Leader of Opposition and a new Opposition Member to be sworn in, the party will continue to fulfill their role as an effective Opposition in Parliament.