The Fiji Labour Party is reported to be preparing for four by-elections if disciplinary action causes the expulsion of senior dissident members and they lose their seats.
The Daily Post says Labour insiders have indicated that the party is determined to initiate disciplinary action against the five dissidents who, they say, have "brought the party into disrepute" by their recent actions and statements.
The newspaper quotes the FLP's assistant general secretary and cabinet minister, Lekh Ram Vyashnoi, as saying the party will get rid of all elements which try and fracture its solidarity.
It says Mr Vyashnoi has also indicated that by-elections may not be too far-fetched.
Mr Vyashnoi said if the country went to a snap poll, the Labour Party was ready for it and those who believe in its principles and values will back it all the way.
He said the party's national council meeting last Saturday was a clear indication of the support the party enjoys at the grassroots level.
19 of the 26 national council members, who are mostly from rural areas, voted for disciplinary action against cabinet ministers Krishna Datt and Poseci Bune, MPs Felix Anthony and Agni Deo Singh and former senator Dr Atu Emberson-Bain.
The national council assigned Mr Vyashnoi to prepare fresh charges against the five after FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry and party president Jokapeci Koroi withdrew their charges in the Suva High Court last week.
