Ro Teimumu Kepa likely to become SODELPA leader

The Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa is the front-runner to become the new leader of the Social Democratic and Liberal Party.

SODELPA General Secretary Pio Tabaiwalu said the new leader will be known to its members during the party’s Special General Assembly this Friday.

Six people had applied for the leader’s post including former Prime Minister and SVT leader, Sitiveni Rabuka.

However Rabuka has already been told that he will not be considered for the SODELPA leader’s post.

Tabaiwalu said Ro Teimumu who once chaired a committee who is assessing the names, has also applied for the position.

He said the committee which is now headed by the Vice President Ratu Sulivenusi Waqausa will then forward the name of the new party leader to its Management Board later this week.

He said proposed changes to the party constitution will also be discussed in the Special General Meeting.

Ro Teimumu Kepa is the current President of SODELPA.

The party is also awaiting the gazetting of the Electoral Decree before deciding on its list of candidates for the elections.

SODELPA’s Special General Assembly will be held at the FTA Hall on Friday afternoon.

Story by: Vijay Narayan and Watisoni Butabua