Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) leader Viliame Gavoka says he is the luckiest among other political party leaders in Fiji because he has the backing of “three paramount chiefs”.
He made this statement during the party’s annual general meeting in Sila Village, Nadroga last Saturday.
Mr Gavoka said the Gone Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa’s inclusion was a bonus for the party.
“She has the thing that you need for the party. From the beginning, I used to say I was the luckiest party leader because I had the Turaga Na Vunivalu, Tui Cakau and the Marama,” he said.
“So now I have Marama and the president Ratu Epenisa, so the party is getting stronger by the day.”
He added Ro Teimumu to stand again under the SODELPA banner for the 2022 General Election will not change the leadership within the party.
“The leadership won’t change.” Mr Gavoka said that he was still the party leader.
“There is a definite pathway to leadership and we are a process-driven party and that has been established and anyone coming in now will be part of the lineup.
“The leadership has been decided and that’s it.
“It tells you one thing that this party continues to gain strength, I just announced an MoU with Savenaca Narube and Unity Fiji and now the Marama has decided to be part of the journey.
“It is bringing strength to the party and I am very pleased about it.”
Mr Gavoka said there was a process for Ro Teimumu to follow to become a candidate.
“The process will be put in place and it will happen.” Meanwhile, the Soqosoqo Vaka Marama had approached the vanua for Ro Teimumu to stand again for the 2022 General Election.
Mr Gavoka also announced three new provisional candidates during the AGM. The trio are Ratu Josua Tubunaverevakabau Uluiviti, Atonio Lavekau and Vijay Lal.
