FACEBOOK WAR

Smear campaign against MP as contest for party leader descends to gutter level

The contest for SODELPA party leader has descended to gutter level politics It has degenerated into tit-fortat, no holds barred exchanges between the warring factions.

The original target of a smear campaign by some elements of the conservative right wing is MP and Deputy Opposition Whip Aseri Radrodro, one of four candidates for the party leader battle.

They launched their vitriolic attack against Mr Radrodro in the Facebook page of Ai Tukutuku delving into his past and making wild claims and accusations.

The attack comes 12 days before the party chooses its new party leader. It is a bid to cast aspersions on his character and credibility as a potential leader.

The other three candidates are incumbent and Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka, MP Viliame Gavoka and ousted president Ro Filipe Tuisawau.

Mr Radrodro’s wife, Sainiana, a Suva lawyer, has leapt to his defence, criticising the right wing leaders, including Mr Rabuka.

Rabuka’s response

Mr Rabuka has not said anything on the issue. But he has said before that he did not support members discussing their differences on public forums like social media. He has encouraged members to meet and talk and he was willing to mediate.

Some party members are already calling on him to call a truce or a cessation of the hostilities between the rival factions.

While the right wing elements back him as party leader, it does not mean that he endorses the antiRadrodro campaign.

Until he breaks his silence people will still link him to them.

He could not be reached to comment yesterday.

Party president Ratu Epenisa