Ro Teimumu Had Rejected Presidency Offer in 2024

As SODELPA continues to raise questions over an alleged promise to appoint Ro Teimumu Kepa as President of Fiji, the former party leader had already publicly declared in February 2024 that she was not interested in the position.

In a statement reported on 25 February 2024, Ro Teimumu confirmed that the presidency had initially been offered by the People’s Alliance Party during coalition negotiations in December 2022, but said there had been no further discussions since.

“To avoid any doubt, I wish to place on record my full support for the Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and his Presidency; and confirm I am not a contender for the position of President,” she stated.

Ro Teimumu also expressed disappointment with then SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa for publicly discussing her possible nomination without first consulting her.

She said any proposal to nominate her had been made without her knowledge or consent.

Following her resignation from SODELPA’s Management Board, Takayawa himself confirmed that the party would no longer pursue the presidential proposal.

“He says her resignation has nullified the proposal given to the party specifically for her in terms of the next President,” fijivillage reported at the time.

Takayawa also confirmed that SODELPA would not pursue the proposal presented by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica during the coalition negotiations.

The 2024 statements are significant in light of SODELPA’s renewed complaints about the presidency arrangement, as both Ro Teimumu and the party’s own General Secretary had publicly acknowledged that the proposal would not proceed.