People are now waiting to find out whether newly installed Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau Ni Vanua O Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara will follow the footsteps of his late father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, and enter politics.
University of Canterbury Professor Steve Ratuva has told Radio NZ that it has been the practice in the past that chiefs stand for elections, because it gives them more status and power.
He says he is not sure if Ratu Tevita will put himself forward, he is quite a humble man and will have responsibilities as a provincial leader but it is likely he will be approached by at least two political parties: Rabuka's ruling People's Alliance Party and SODELPA.
Ratuva says even if he did not want to stand in next year's election, Ratu Tevita could be asked to support the parties and mobilise votes in his traditional constituency.
Ratu Tevita said yesterday that being a leader is to uplift people’s lives.
Ratu Tevita also called for the support of the vanua.
He adds this is a new chapter for the people of Lau after he was chosen by the people.
Ratu Tevita will officially open the Lau Provincial Council meeting at 9am today.
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