22 Nov 2018

Rabuka tenders resignation from SODELPA leadership

7:53 am on 22 November 2018

Sitiveni Rabuka has tendered his resignation from the leadership of the Social Liberal Democratic Party of Fiji.

SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka at party HQ on Saturday 17 November

SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka at party HQ on Saturday 17 November Photo: RNZ/Sally Round

The former coup leader led SODELPA to winning nearly 40 percent of the vote and five extra seats from the ruling FijiFirst party in last weekend's general election.

Speaking to local media yesterday, SODELPA executives acknowledged receipt of Mr Rabuka's resignation.

However, they said the party's constitution required Mr Rabuka to remain leader until SODELPA's second annual general meeting after the elections, in about two years.

When questioned about nominations for the position of parliamentary opposition leader, Mr Rabuka said this had not been discussed and would not be finalised until the first sitting of parliament.

SODELPA executives also said they would be reserving comments on any arrangements with the opposition National Federation Party for a joint press conference to be held at a later date.

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