SODELPA’s General Secretary Viliame Takayawa has confirmed he will reapply for the role when his term expires at the end of June.
Takayawa, who has held the position for the past two years, remains confident about his chances despite recent backlash over a Facebook post he made criticising a government trade mission to Tonga. The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
He was subsequently directed to remove the post and issued an apology shortly after.
Speaking on the matter, Takayawa insisted the post was personal and should not impact his chances of reappointment.
“I have already apologised for it,” he said. “That was my personal post. I don’t know how else to explain that, but it’s not like I’m lying or anything.”
He also shared that a person affected by the post had contacted him, but he has chosen not to make the message public.
“I have to protect them too, because they’ll feel like they’ve been victimised. That’s the reason I’m not saying too much.”
Applications for the position close on May 29. The role includes representing the party on administrative and organisational matters, including acting as a spokesperson within limits set by the party’s management board.
“Just an administration thing—we have to advertise it again,” Takayawa said, noting that the term for the position is two years.
Looking ahead, Takayawa said the party would continue to focus on leadership renewal and supporting newcomers to politics.
“This party is about succession,” he said. “If someone new is coming in, I’m ready to assist and help.”
