Fiji's SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka is urging supporters to remain calm following a ruling by the High Court last week.
The court ruled that the election of SODELPA president Ratu Filipe Tuisawau and vice president Adi Litia Cakobau at the party's AGM last year breached its constitution and the 2013 Fiji Constitution.
Fiji's SODELPA leader, Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins
In a statement, Mr Rabuka reassured SODELPA voters, members and supporters the party will follow the rule of law.
Mr Rabuka is also the opposition leader and says SODELPA is yet to decide on an appeal.
The High Court had also ruled resolutions and outcomes of an AGM in Savusavu were invalid - making void all the party's decisions under its administration since June last year.
The High Court declared that all subsequent actions, meetings, resolutions, decisions, directives and outcomes of the party's management board after the AGM were unlawful, invalid and ineffective.
"I call on the SODELPA family, voters and supporters, to remain calm and steadfast despite the noise and sensationalism made by some on the court ruling issued yesterday," Mr Rabuka said in the statement.
"SODELPA remains committed to the ideals and principles of its founding members, to respect the rule of law and seek within the framework of its constitution to accommodate its members' genuine attempts to lift the party and its appeal to the citizens of Fiji.
"The current office holders will continue serving their respective appointments."
The High Court said, "It is a matter for the financial members of the party to elect or remove office holders of the party and further it is not a matter for the court to do so."
Mr Rabuka said SODELPA would continue to function.
"Your elected parliamentarians will continue to perform their mandate and we will continue to move forward. Please continue to pray for Fiji, pray for SODELPA and continue to follow the law."
He also urged party supporters to continue to adhere to the government's measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
"I understand the restrictions on socialising and the enforced stay at home during the curfew is frustrating and causing anxiety but it is a sacrifice that we must collectively undertake to protect each other and our loved ones from the threat of this virus."
