Rabuka: Reps not evenly represented

SOCIAL Democratic Liberal Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the constituency representatives were not evenly represented during the special general meeting held at Novotel Suva Lami Bay yesterday because of COVID-19 restrictions.

He said because of a restriction on the number of people that were allowed to attend the forum, they had to manage it as best as they could.

“We agreed with the seven constituencies and the time they were supposed to be here to attend the meeting if you cannot fill that time the unfilled slots will go to others,” said Mr Rabuka.

Party general secretary Emele Duituturaga said their constitution clearly stated that every SODELPA financial member had the right to be part of the general assembly during the special general meeting.

“So we made that call and unfortunately not everyone could be here,” she said.

“We were given the permit from the authorities — the police and Ministry of Health — and we pushed it from 100 to 200 but we couldn’t give any more and I am really sorry that not everyone could be here.”

SODELPA supporters and members of constituencies locked out of the meeting venue, said they should have been informed of the arrangement earlier on.

Many who had travelled from as far as the Western Division said they had spent considerable resources to be present at the historical meeting, only to be told they were not allowed in.

Among those who were locked out were SODELPA MP Inosi Kuridrani.