Fiji's main opposition party has ruled out any talk of a coalition with the National Federation Party (NFP).
Leader of the National Federation Party Biman Prasad, left, and SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: Facebook/NFP
The leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Sitiveni Rabuka and NFP leader Biman Prasad are currently running a joint tour of the country.
During a forum in Nadi this week attended by Prasad and other opposition members of parliament, Rabuka said he had worked with the NFP in 1996 when he led the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei Party (SVT).
Rabuka said the two parties also worked together in the 1999 election but were defeated.
The former prime minister said while they would not have a coalition, the two parties must be respected for their own characteristics.
Biman Prasad and Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: Facebook/NFP
The Opposition Leader said the tour was organised by the NFP and SODELPA was invited to be part of it.
Rabuka said the NFP was the oldest political party in Fiji and was respected.
They have the confidence of a big part of the population of Fiji, he said.
"They have looked after their interests since the first indentured labourers came and since we started talking about the landownership and tenants relationship."
Meanwhile, the NFP leader told the forum SODELPA and NFP were two separate parties.
Prasad said there had been media speculation that the tour was a coalition in the making.
He claimed the media wanted to create fear and animosity in Fiji.