General Secretary Sila Balawa has addressed concerns regarding alleged power struggles within the People’s Alliance Party, stating that ambition among party members is essential for political advancement. In response to rumors of internal discord, Balawa characterized these notions as exaggerated and affirmed the party’s unity.
Balawa noted, “Power struggle depends on your perception. Without ambition, there will be no movement or progress. It’s just how those ambitions are expressed that can sometimes cause misunderstanding, but our party leader welcomes ambition in members of parliament and party politicians.” He highlighted that healthy ambition is integral to leadership development and is necessary for grooming future leaders within the organization.
Addressing rumors that a new party leader would be nominated at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), Balawa asserted, “That never came up. There was no mention of it before, during, or after the AGM. I’m hearing it now for the first time.” He emphasized that decisions regarding leadership, including any potential succession, ultimately reside with the Prime Minister and Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka.
Furthermore, when speculation regarding Ro Filipe Tuisawau’s potential elevation to party leader emerged, Balawa clarified that Tuisawau and Manoa Kamikamica currently serve as deputy leaders, and any leadership transitions would depend on the judgment of the Prime Minister. He reiterated that the focus remains on the party’s responsibilities within the government, dismissing ongoing speculations as unfounded political gossip.
The People’s Alliance Party is currently in a positive phase, concentrating on leveraging the passions and abilities of its members in preparation for future electoral contests. As Balawa stressed, engaging with ambition not only fosters a solid leadership pipeline but may also enhance the party’s overall effectiveness and strengthen its relationship with the electorate.