SODELPA, a party in the three-party Fiji Coalition Government, has officially named Aseri Radrodro as their new leader, succeeding Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, who retains all ministerial roles, including the Ministry of Education, resolutions that the former stated that he has accepted, reiterating his contentment with being a backbencher.

The leadership transition, backed by Naitasiri paramount chief Turaga na Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, was confirmed after a 5-hour closed-door meeting attended by 275 supporters at Suva’s Civic Centre.

SODELPA’s General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa, said the ministerial portfolio issue is now a “non-issue” when asked if it would still be discussed at their next Management Board meeting in May.

This arose when the board directed Gavoka to transfer the Education Ministry portfolio to Radrodro, which exceeds his authority under the 2013 Constitution, as only the Prime Minister has that power.

Meanwhile, the focus for the newly elected party leader Radrodro is “to prepare the party for the 2026 General Elections.”

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