The Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party meets tomorrow to discuss the need to change the party name and leader to conform to the requirements of the new Political Parties Decree.
However, senior member Doctor Tupeni Baba said their party leader Laisenia Qarase, who is currently serving his one year prison sentence, will still head the party.
Under the decree, Qarase cannot be the party leader as he is serving a prison sentence and his appeal hearing is scheduled for 25th February.
SDL needs to meet the new requirements and re-register by 14th February.
This means that Qarase cannot be the party leader and SDL needs to change its name as all party names have to be in the English language.
Doctor Baba said they cannot just change their leader.
Any existing party that does not comply with the decree will cease to exist after February 14th.
SDL executives that are likely to be in the party meeting tomorrow include Ratu Jone Kubuabola, Solomoni Naivalu, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Doctor Tupeni Baba, Anasa Vocea, Emitai Boladuadua, Sireli Koyamaibole, Mere Samisoni and Pio Tabaiwalu.
Tabaiwalu said they were earlier planning to visit Qarase and inform him about the requirements of the decree.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
SDL maintains Qarase will be their leader
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