7 SODELPA sitting MPs confirmed for election

Only seven of the 21 sitting Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) members will stand for the 2022 General Election.

This was confirmed by party leader Viliame Gavoka yesterday during the announcement of 12 more provisional candidates.

The seven Members of Parliament (MP) are Aseri Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Viliame Gavoka, Anare Jale, Mikaele Leawere, Tanya Waqanika and Mere Samisoni.

The 12 candidates announced yesterday were Aseri Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Tomasi Vakatora, Ana Kulaniloga, Pauliasi Matawalu, Hazarat Ali, Bulivou Ratu, Osea Vutikalulu, Shweta Singh, Eliki Batirokomoro, Ifereimi Vasu and Sireli Korovulavula.

The party has now confirmed 39 provisional candidates with some more to be announced in the coming weeks.

It hopes to field 55 candidates for the election.

Mr Gavoka said the party was adamant that the Fiji Independent

Commission against Corruption (FICAC) case involving its member and provisional candidate, Simione Rasova, would turn out in their favour, however, he said there were other candidates on standby if it does not go their way.

“His case will be heard in September and he has a very strong case,” he said.

“We believe he will come through okay.”

Ex-Corrections head stands for party

Former Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Colonel, Ifereimi Vasu, has shown interest to stand for the party in the upcoming election.

Mr Gavoka said his inclusion was a blessing to the party.

“He had looked around with the intention to serve. He believes SODELPA has what it takes to move Fiji forward,” he said.

“That was quite a statement from him and we are grateful to have him in our lineup.”

Tuiteci Appeal

Mr Gavoka said a two-week window had been given to their former provisional candidate, Seremaia Tuiteci, to appeal his termination from SODELPA.

“He has the right to appeal and if he does not, there is already someone who will replace him,” Mr Gavoka said.

Campaign

Mr Gavoka said that confirmed provisional candidates were already actively working on the ground campaigning in their constituencies.

“One of the terms is that their turf is exclusive to them. We will provide support from the head office and when we get into the swing of things, we will be looking after the national campaign in the media,” he said. Edited by Jeremiah Ligairi