If there is one thing Sitiveni Rabuka has perfected over the decades, it is the fine art of division. From splitting political parties like a chef dicing onions to watching once-united factions crumble under his leadership, Rabuka’s legacy is one of fragmentation. Wherever he goes, political unity seems to unravel, leaving behind a trail of broken alliances and splinter groups.
To understand Rabuka’s divisive nature, one must take a walk
down memory lane. In 1987, he didn’t just stage a coup—he staged an entire
redefinition of Fijian politics. After the once-mighty Alliance Party crumbled, Rabuka, fresh off his coup leader status, established the Soqosoqo ni
Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) party. But, as history shows, Rabuka doesn’t just
create; he also destroys.
Under his watch, SVT went from being the dominant force of
indigenous Fijian politics to a fractured mess. Disillusionment and infighting
led to breakaway factions that would shape Fiji’s political landscape for years
to come. The Fijian Association Party (FAP) emerged under Josevata Kamikamica, bringing with it many disillusioned politicians who opposed Rabuka’s
leadership. Then came the Veitokani ni Lewenivanua Vakarisito (VLV), a
Christian democratic party formed by those who felt Rabuka had strayed too far from
the church’s influence in politics. Later, after the 2000 coup, the Conservative
Alliance Matanitu Vanua (CAMV) was formed by hardline nationalists who
rejected Rabuka’s attempts at reconciliation and blamed his leadership for
undermining indigenous Fijian interests.
But Rabuka wasn’t done yet. He resurfaced in SODELPA, once
again promising unity, only to see the party fracture under his leadership.
Discontented members, frustrated with the internal turmoil, eventually
splintered and followed him, leading to the birth of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP). Once
again, Rabuka had left behind a divided house, proving that his version of
leadership is essentially a high-stakes game of “divide and exit.”
The Proposed 15 New Political Parties: A Legacy of Chaos
Now, as if history hasn’t repeated itself enough, reports
suggest that 15 new political parties are seeking registration in Fiji. One
can’t help but marvel at how, no matter where Rabuka goes, political
fragmentation follows like an overzealous shadow. It is almost as if his very
presence inspires division. Fiji’s political landscape is not evolving under
Rabuka—it is simply fracturing further, much like the parties he has left in
his wake.
Fijians are left wondering: is this all a coincidence, or is Rabuka the common denominator in decades of political discord? His supporters may argue that he is a unifier, but history tells a different story. Whether it is SVT’s collapse, the breakaway of FAP, VLV, and CAMV, SODELPA’s civil war, or the birth of PAP from the ashes of yet another split, one thing remains consistent—where there is Rabuka, there is division.
Despite his track record, Rabuka still manages to reinvent
himself as the elder statesman of Fijian politics. He speaks of national unity
while presiding over a government riddled with internal strife. He calls for
stability while his own party members clash over leadership and principles. He
preaches ethics while selectively enforcing them. If anything, he is proof that
in Fijian politics, contradictions aren’t a problem—they’re a strategy.
As Fiji looks toward its future, one must ask: how many more political parties must rise and fall under Rabuka’s watch before the cycle ends? Or is the continued division simply the price of his leadership? One thing is certain though. The rise in the number of proposed political parties is directly correlated to people's disillusionment with Rabuka and his government.
No comments:
Post a Comment