The leader of Fiji's main opposition party claims his parliamentary caucus defied the party president's advice in the selection of the new opposition leader.
The SODELPA parliamentary caucus with former opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka seated fifth from the left. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is also seated next to him fourth from the left. Photo: Facebook/SODELPA
Former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) leader Sitiveni Rabuka announced on Monday he was quitting Parliament.
He has been replaced by paramount chief Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
But SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka said the caucus members ignored calls by party president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau to unite and support him to replace Rabuka.
Since his appointment as SODELPA leader on 27 November, Gavoka had agreed to be in charge of the party's national affairs while Rabuka would take care of its parliamentary matters, resulting in a situation with two leaders.
Gavoka said despite the request, 14 members voted for Ratu Naiqama while five supported him.
"There was a request from the president to combine the two offices under me," he said.
"But the caucus has the final say and they believe that the demarcation of the two roles should be maintained."
Meanwhile, attorney-general and general secretary of the ruling FijiFirst party Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said key leadership appointments in other political parties were not a matter of concern for the government.
Sayed-Khaiyum was responding to media queries outside Parliament on Monday regarding the recent appointments at SODELPA.
The selection or otherwise of any other political party has got nothing to do with FijiFirst, he said. "It is their own internal matter."
Earlier, Gavoka had dismissed claims he would be ineffective in the role because of his relationship with Sayed-Khaiyum.
"I am the A-G's father-in-law but that he belongs to a party that believes that the pathway for a prosperous and peaceful Fiji is the best," he said.
"I am in SODELPA and we all want a peaceful and prosperous Fiji but the pathway we have is different from them and is better than theirs.
"Family is family, politics is politics, but I tell you SODELPA way is the best way."
Viliame Gavoka. Photo: Facebook