The Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party is readying itself for the mighty challenge of resurrecting the nation.
Those were the words of SDL Leader Laisenia Qarase yesterday at the party's Annual General Meeting here in Suva. Qarase said all opinions and reactions received from people show very clearly they will vote for SDL at the next poll. He said he expects the level of support will actually be higher than in 2006.
Qarase brushes aside skepticism about elections, however, he challenges the interim regime the benefit of the doubt on its promise to go to the polls in early 2009.
Meanwhile, Qarase said three institutions including the Fiji Police Force, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary is of fundamental importance to the maintenance of law and order.
He adds there is widely held view that the independence of the Police Force has been compromised.
Meanwhile, former Health Minister and Parliamentarian Solomoni Naivalu has been named the new President of the Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua Party.
At the meeting, three patrons were also appointed, these being former Ministers in the SDL government, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Ro Suliano Matanitobua.
At the meeting a new constitution was adopted for SDL whereby there were sections which stated that membership of the party is open to all Fiji citizens of voting age.
The new Constitution also states that there shall be a category of associate members who are non- Fiji citizens who have strong connections to Fiji and are committed to the principles of the party and would like to contribute to its promotion and development.
