Ro Teimumu Kepa (file image) Photo: Supplied/FRIEND Fiji
Ro Teimumu Kepa, 78, has addressed rumours that she was aiming to become the next head of state.
The former opposition leader and Sodelpa leader, who is also the a paramount chief and the head of the Burebasaga confederacy, was rumoured to be a contender for the president's role, according to local media reports.
Sodelpa, the minor partner in the coalition government, has been campaigning for Ro Teimumu to become the first women president of the country.
The appointment of Ro Teimumu as president was part of a suite of proposals made by Sitiveni Rabuka's People's Alliance during the December 2022 post-election negotiations.
Last week, the party's general-secretary Viliame Takayawa told Fiji Sun newspaper it was "time to make it happen".
However, on Sunday, Ro Teimumnu, put to rest all speculations, stating there has not been any further discussion regarding her appointment as president.
"I am not a contender for the position of President. If my name has been proposed, then it has been done without my knowledge or consent," she said via a statement.
"I am particularly disappointed that Sodelpa general-secretary Viliame Takayawa has made statements regarding this without the courtesy of seeking my view or even discussing the matter with me before issuing any statement," she said.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who is also a high chief (Tui Macuata), assumed in November 2021, and according to the 2013 constitution can serve another term as president when his term ends this year.
Prime Minister Rabuka has already hinted that "he can be appointed for another term", the Fiji Sun reported.
Left to right: Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau (head of Kubuna Confederacy), Ratu Aisea Komaitai, kneeling, (Ratu Epenisa's traditional spokesperson), Ro Teimumu Kepa (head of Burebasaga Confederacy). 25 May 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Kelvin Anthony
Ro Teimumu said the position of president "symbolises our national unity and character and it should therefore be treated with the respect that such a position deserves".
"It concerns me as Roko Tui Dreketi, that my name and title is being promoted as a challenger to our current President, the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and such unfounded statements could easily create a perception that the current relationship between the Tui Macuata and me or between our two provinces is strained, which is not the case."
She believes Ratu Wilimame has been "doing very well" since being appointed and had her full endorsement.
Takayawa has subsequently confirmed to fijivillage.com that Ro Teimumu Kepa resigned from Sodelpa on Friday.
"He says her resignation has nullified the proposal given to the party specifically for her in terms of the next President," according to fijivillage.com's report.
Takayawa said Sodelpa will not pursue the proposal of presidency as proposed by the Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica during their presentation to the party post-elections in December 2022.