SUVA, 18 DECEMBER 2022 (PACNEWS)—-The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is in no rush to choose the next government as it is being courted by the ruling Fiji First Party (FFP) and the coalition of Peoples Alliance Party (PAP) and the National Federation Party (NFP) to form the next Fijian government.
This after the Fijian Elections Office announced the result of the 2022 General Elections for the country’s 55 seat parliament today, with FFP and the PAP/NFP coalition winning 26 seats each and SODELPA becoming kingmakers with their three seats.
SODELPA leader, Viliame Gavoka held a press conference this afternoon and confirmed that negotiations begun last night with FFP and the PAP/NFP coalition.
SODELPA has also had a separate meeting with NFP.
“We are not rushing this, we have 14 days to do it but I can assure you that the outcome will be the best for this country,” Gavoka said.
“We are very much an iTaukei party, our base is the indigenous people of this country and their issues have always been paramount to us and that is very much part of those issues that we will not negotiate on.”
As SODELPA looks for its “perfect” marriage partner, Gavoka said they have non-negotiable issues such as certain indigenous or iTaukei issues, some education-related and the establishment of an embassy in Jerusalem in Israel.
While not divulging much, Gavoka said they have certain demands that are negotiable such as ministerial positions and issues related to foreign affairs and education.
“For SODELPA, our relationship in foreign affairs will be aligned closely with Australia and New Zealand, who are members of the Pacific Islands Forum and our traditional partners.
“Fiji is a predominantly a Christian country and it is always the wish of the Christian community to have a presence in the Holy Land and that is SODELPA being, the natives, mostly Christians that is their wish to build an embassy,” he added.
SODELPA’s negotiating team is led by former parliamentarian, civil servant and ambassador to the United Nations, Anare Jale.
Negotiations between the parties began last night and continued today with counter proposals.
Gavoka confirmed that negotiations will continue tomorrow, and he hoped that the final offers could be presented to the party’s management board soon.
The management board comprises of 42 representatives from constituencies, youth wing, women’s wing including the party president and three vice presidents.
It will decide the next Fijian Government by choosing which party SODELPA have a coalition with.
The 55 new Fijian Members of Parliament.
FijiFirst:
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Parveen Kumar Bala, Mahendra Reddy, Hem Chand, Ratu Josaia Bulavakarua Niudamu, Rinesh Rajesh Sharma, Alvick Avhikrit Maharaj, Rosy Sofia Akbar, Vijay Nath, Ioane Naivalurua, Inia Batikoto Seruiratu, Shalen Kumar, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Premila Devi Kumar, Jone Usamate, Viam Pillay, Sanjay Salend Kirpal, Joseph Nitya Nand, Semi Tuleca Koroilavesau, Ifereimi Waqainabete, Viliame Naupoto, Aliki Bia, Naisa Tatau Tuinaceva, Mosese Drecala Bulitavu, Ketan Kirit Lal
People’s Alliance:
Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, Lynda Diseru Tabuya, Charan Jeath Singh, Filimoni Wainiqolo Rasokisoki Vosarogo, Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica, Isikeli Tuiwailevu, Iliesa Sovui Vanawalu, Siromi Dokonivalu Turaga, Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Jese Saukuru, Ratu Rakuita Solesole Sauramaeva Vakalalabure, Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, Jovesa Rokuta Vocea, Sakiusa Tubuna, Vatimi Tidara Tuinasakea Kaunitawake Rayalu , Ro Filipe Qaraniqio Tuisawau, Tomasi Niuvotu Tunabuna, Sakiasi Raisevu Ditoka, Esrom Yosef Immanuel, Kalaveti Vodo Ravu, Alitia Vakatai Bavou Cirikiyasawa Bainivalu.
National Federation Party:
Biman Chand Prasad, Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, Agni Deo Singh, Pio Tikoduadua, Sashi Kiran
SODELPA:
Viliame Rogoibulu Gavoka, Ifereimi Vasu, Aseri Masivou Radrodro…. PACNEWS
Writ of Election to be returned tomorrow
SUVA, 18 DECEMBER 2022 (PACNEWS)— The Fijian Electoral Commission Chair Mukesh Nand says the General Election was held in a peaceful and conducive environment.
The Electoral Commission will now retire and calculate the allocation for the 55 seats in the next Parliament.
This as the Fijian Elections Office officially handed over the final national result tally for the 2022 General Election Sunday afternoon.
Electoral Commission Chair Mukesh Nand said the General Election was held in a peaceful and conducive environment.
He said the commission members observed several polling venues on 14th December and were pleased with the smooth flow of operations on Election Day.
“We intend to announce the final list of candidates that will enter parliament at 1pm tomorrow followed by our appointment with His Excellency the President at 2pm when we intend to return the Writ for the 2022 General Election.”
Nand said they were also present at the National Result Centre observing the result tabulation process.
Meanwhile, The People’s Alliance Deputy Leader, Manoa Kamikamica says talks continue with the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)for a possible coalition.
He said they are grateful for the number of Fijians who have voted and showed their confidence in them and their coalition partner National Federation Party.
Kamikamica said talks will determine the next step and he remains confident of the outcome.
“We are thankful to the people of Fiji for their trust in us. Well, right now we are talking to SODELPA and obviously, it is confidential … the details – but from our side, we will work hard to bring about what the people of Fiji need,” he said…..PACNEWS