Page 9 - IB FEB 2017

Cover Story

‘

...when I go

out into the
community,
there is a sense

that people

are looking for
an elternative
- they are not

happy. We

want to be that
alternative for
Fiji’s people.

We want to

give freedom to
everyone ... ‘

Sitiveni Rabuka believes he can do it again with the support of current Opposition MPs. Photo: Invictus
buka said. of the 703,691 registered voters cast to mission phase with some critical
Under the radar, Rabuka has been their ballots. working group meetings in the next few
laying the groundwork for the 2018 A mixture of missing names, am- weeks,” Rabuka said.
campaign by visiting constituents, con- bivalence, fear, intimidation and the “Soon we’ll be announcing the names
solidating his support base in his home incompetence of officials meant that of our 50 candidates and then we take
province of Cakaudrove and in settle- 112,590 votes were not cast – enough to the process further.”
ments in the Suva-Nausori corridor. make a dramatic change to Fiji’s political For the moment there is no talk of a
Most importantly he’s reactivated the landscape. grand coalition to fight the ruling Fiji
dormant SVT branches in areas to secure It’s in that area among the margin- First Party.
the votes of older people who voted nei- alised and the fearful that the battle will “What we want to do is make Fiji free
ther Kepa nor Bainimarama. be fought next time round. again,” Rabuka said.
In September 2014 only 84 per cent “We’re about to move from decision n Continued overleaf

PIo Tikoduadua will stand with another party. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum ... decisions caused exit of Made his exit after falling out with the Attorney-
Photo: File Cabinet ministers. Photo: File General Photo: File

Islands Business, February 2017 9