Motion Tabled to Form Committee to Investigate SODELPA Suspension
The Social Democratic Liberal Party’s (SODELPA) Rewa constituency tabled a motion to establish a threemember committee to scrupulously investigate reasons for the party’s suspension.
This motion was tabled at the party’s management board meeting on Saturday.
Party general secretary, Emele Duituturaga, said the motion by the Rewa constituency did not accuse any individual, however, it was on the basis of lessons learnt from their suspension period. Ms Duituturaga said the motion was tabled with the understanding that there were discussions within some party members while being suspended whether to stay with SODELPA or form another political party.
“The motion was drafted soon after the suspension and when it came into the meeting it made everyone rethink that we need to look at why we got into suspension,” Ms Duituturaga said.
She said the motion would be looked into again by the working committee and would be consolidated and tabled at the party’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November 28.
Caretaker party leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, said: “The management board has agreed that a threemember committee to be formed to pursue these investigations. It’s not about being smacked on the wrist about what had happened but, that it does not happen in the future.”
Party constitution review
Ms Duituturaga said a special management board meeting would convene in October for the constitution review committee to table findings and recommendations to the party constitution. The committee that is chaired by Semesa Karavaki has begun receiving online and oral submissions from party supporters and members.
Other members of the committee include former Nadi magistrate, Siromi Dokonivalu Turaga, Peter Waqavonovono, Losena Salabula and Sainiana Radrodro. “So the team is looking through the eyes if SODELPA is fit for purpose, is SODELPA going to deliver?” she asked. “What are the founding values and in a way it’s rebranding as well?
“We are heading towards the November 28, Annual General Meeting in which we could amend the constitution.”
Party leader position
Ms Duituturaga also confirmed that the position of party leader and deputy leader will be announced during the Party’s AGM on November 28.
She said the Management Board has resolved to outsource the management of the interviews of the candidates.
“However, at the end of the end of the day the Management Board will decide,” she said.
“It’s embracing independent expertise and vanua assessment. “November 28, we will tell Fiji who will be leading SODELPA into the elections.”