Page 8 - IB FEB 2017

Cover Story
Loyalty pledge by MPs

Rabuka

ready for

big race

by Netani Rika She galvanised the mainly conserva-
tive, indigenous and far right support
from those who opposed Bainimarama.
WITH around 12 months before the next Much of her support – however – came
election in Fiji, former prime minister from Lau Province at the behest of her
Sitiveni Rabuka has consolidated the nephews and nieces once former civil
support of the current parliamentarians servant, Anare Jale, was ruled out of the
of the main Social Democratic Liberal running by the Elections Office.
Party. Whether she will be able to maintain
Of the 15 sitting MPs, all but two – Op- that support on her own in a new politi-
position Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa, and cal entity is rather unlikely. Kepa may
suspended Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu – retain voter support from the confed-
have applied to contest the polls under eracy of Burebasaga, over which she is 1992 election.
the SODELPA banner. traditional leader. And last year he was able to out-
Ro Teimumu is being courted by Hope, But her subjects including MPs from manoeuvre Kepa for the presidency of
a party formed by dissident members Kadavu, Nadroga and even the Tui SODELPA.
of the SODELPA working committee Namosi, Ro Suliano Matanitobua, have Critics say the challenge shows Ra-
including activist Pita Waqavonovono, already signed up with SODELPA. buka’s disdain for the chiefly and tradi-
politician Mick Beddoes and former Twice in the past, commoner Rabuka tional system he claims to uphold, a sug-
journalist Jese Sikivou. has stood against the traditional chiefly gestion Fiji’s elder statesman refutes.
In the 2014 election, Kepa polled the establishment and won. “I believe that the chiefly system and
second highest number of votes with First it was against Ro Lady Lala politics are symbiotic and can co-exist.
49,485, second only to 2006 coup leader, Mara – Kepa’s older sister – over the They are mutually beneficial to each
Rear-Admiral Frank Bainimarama on presidency of the Soqosoqo Ni Vaka- other and to society as a whole,” Ra-
202,459. vulewa iTaukei (SVT) Party prior to the

First victim .... Ro Lady Lala Mara lost to Rabuka Ro Teimumu Kepa will fight the election under a MIck Beddoes joins forces with PIta Waqavonovono.
before the 1992 polls. Photo: File different banner. Photo: File Photo: File

8 Islands Business, February 2017