The Fiji government is not considering any succession plan for the Prime Minister, with Cabinet maintaining that there is no urgency to address leadership matters while the legal appeal process is still underway.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya was asked Tuesday at a press conference if the PM decides to resign, would it create a leadership vacuum.
Tabuya explained that the focus remains on respecting the judicial process, noting that any appeal will take time to move through the courts.
“The appeal process is going to take some time. It will need to go to the Court of Appeal and on to the Supreme Court.”
She said until that process is exhausted, neither the governing party nor the Prime Minister will engage further on the matter.
“Until that time, the party will not address that issue, and neither will the honourable Prime Minister.
There’s no urgency to it, because the appeal process will take some time.”
Tabuya confirmed that Cabinet had unanimously rejected any suggestion that the Prime Minister should resign.
“I just want to say today in Cabinet, it was a resounding sentiment that we would not accept his resignation. There is unanimous support for the honourable Prime Minister to continue to lead this country and continue to lead us.”
She stressed that the legal avenues being pursued are available to every citizen and reflect the proper functioning of Fiji’s justice system.
“The issue of what has been before the courts and may continue to be through the appeal process is what is available under the law to the Prime Minister and to every Fijian.”
Tabuya reiterated the government’s respect for the rule of law and the separation of powers.
“It is the rule of law, and we respect the rule of law. We respect the process. Certainly, the executive is separate from the judiciary. This really demonstrates that there is no interference by the executive in the judiciary.”
While acknowledging the High Court’s decision, she said the government would lawfully pursue the appeal options available.
“We respect the decision of the High Court, and of course, we will be able to access what is legally available to the honourable Prime Minister in terms of the appeal process.” she said.
Meanwhile, The People’s Alliance Party (PAP) has reaffirmed its full support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, following his recent statement that resignation remains an option.
PAP General Secretary Sila Balawa said the Prime Minister’s remarks — made after the release of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report — had been misinterpreted and taken out of context.
“What we understand is that he said resignation is one option he can consider,” Balawa said.
“It is an option, but as far as the party is concerned, both Cabinet and the party remain firmly behind him as Prime Minister.”
Balawa confirmed the party met earlier in the day and unanimously agreed to continue supporting Rabuka’s leadership.
He said the Prime Minister had acted on legal advice in relation to the matter, and that the recent High Court ruling had returned the issue to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
“From our understanding, he acted on the legal advice that was given to him,” Balawa said.
“Based on the court ruling, the ball is now back with the JSC.”
When asked whether coalition partners, including members of the National Federation Party (NFP), would have a say if the Prime Minister chose to step down, Balawa said he could only speak on behalf of the People’s Alliance Party.
“Our position is clear. The party supports the Prime Minister to remain,” he said.
“As I said earlier, resignation was mentioned as an option, but that is something that would be considered later, depending on developments.”
Balawa stressed that with the country heading into an election year, the party remained united behind its leader.
“He will still lead the party into the next election and will be contesting,” he confirmed.
Responding to public criticism, including calls for the Prime Minister to step aside due to age and claims of poor advice, Balawa said such commentary was not unusual during election periods.
“These opinions are part and parcel of the political landscape, especially in an election year. We expect more of it,” he said.
“But it must be based on facts. Many of these comments lack substance, and some people do not fully understand the real issues they are speaking about.”
Balawa reiterated that the People’s Alliance Party remained confident in the Prime Minister’s leadership and continued to stand by him as party leader.
