Fiji's Sodelpa forms leaders forum

Fiji's main Opposition party has formed a leaders forum to address members' grievances and disputes.

This comes after months of tensions split the Social Democratic Liberal Party in April.

The conflict also led to the party being suspended for thirty days earlier this year by the Supervisor of Elections for breach of the Political Parties Act and the Sodelpa Constitution.

Both main factions accused each other of a lack of transparency regarding donations and a failure to handle differences.

In June, the suspension was lifted and since the party has been able to elect its executives heading into its annual general meeting in less than three weeks.

Items on the agenda include the election of the new leader and deputy.

Vice president not happy

Last week's appointment of the new forum saw party leader Sitiveni Rabuka, president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and the three vice presidents Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and George Shiu Raj all getting the nod.

But Ratu Naiqama - the paramount chief from Cakaudrove - said he was not happy with the meeting.

General-Secretary Emele Duituturaga said she was unaware as to why Ratu Naiqama was unhappy with the party.

Duituturaga said Ratu Naiqama did not raise his concerns at the meeting.

Opposition Whip and Sodelpa stalwart Lynda Tabuya welcomed the leaders' forum.

The Nasinu Constituency president said the forum would look into members' concerns instead of going through the constitutional process.

"Democracy is alive and well within Sodelpa," Tabuya told the FBC.

"But it's unfortunate that certain people in the community and other political parties have been demonising the processes that exist within the party."

Call to elect leaders wisely

Meanwhile, Rabuka said the Nasinu Constituency - Sodelpa's largest in the country - was a "vital turf" for the party because of its size.

Speaking at a recent Nasinu meeting, Rabuka reminded supporters it was important for them to choose their constituency leaders wisely.

"People should elect leaders who are well versed with the party's agenda," he said. "The party believes in a united Fiji where races are united."

Earlier, Tabuya said the arbiter and forensics accountant found no fraud in the grievances highlighted by Sodelpa members in the United States.

Former party secretary Adi Lit Qionibaravi was accused of alleged donor and financial discrepancies.

"They complained about Adi Lit and the management board agreed to accept the findings of the arbiter and close the case," Tabuy said.

"If there are any issues that conflict resolution can address that should be encouraged."

Meanwhile, an arbiter's findings into allegations of donor discrepancies against a former secretary have been accepted by the leaders forum.

Adi Lit Qionibaravi was cleared of all the allegations by party supporters in the United States.

The US group had raised their concerns in June over the use of funds they had donated to the party.

Duituturaga said the arbiter found there were issues within the party's system.

She said it would be unfair to level such grievances at one person.

Qionibaravi said she was relieved at the finding of the arbiter.

She said while she was also happy there was no misuse as claimed by the US Chapter, Qionibaravi wanted to view the arbiter's findings.