12 Dec 2017

Fiji opposition merger "practical"

11:05 am on 12 December 2017

The People's Democratic Party in Fiji says teaming up with SODELPA was the most practical thing to do given the threshold for gaining a seat in the Fiji parliament.

Former Fiji prime minister and two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka.

Former Fiji prime minister and two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD

The PDP's leader Lynda Tabuya said her party had agreed not to field any candidates in the next election and she would stand under the SODELPA banner.

The PDP failed to gain any seats in 2014 as its vote total fell short of the five percent threshold.

Lynda Tabuya

Lynda Tabuya Photo: Phillippa Tolley

Ms Tabuya said she didn't see a union with the party led by former coup-maker Sitiveni Rabuka as problematic.

"We see this as the way forward for PDP and certainly the way forward for Fiji. Rabuka at the helm ... we believe he's come a long way as a politician. He's a moderate politician now. He's trying to moderate SODELPA," Lynda Tabuya.

Ms Tabuya said SODELPA had agreed to take on four of the PDP's key labour policies.

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