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RNZ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
'Political dynamics in Fiji are unpredictable': Will Ratu Tevita Mara step into politics?
Ratu Tevita Mara is the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs A Fijian political commentator predicts that Ratu Tevita Mara well could become prime minister in the future, once he gains chiefly status. The King and Queen of Tonga are in Fiji this week to celebrate two historic ceremonies in honour of Ratu Tevita, the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. On Tuesday, a huge crowd gathered on Nayau Island in Lau - northeast of the main island - for a grand ceremony to witness the island's kingmakers present his first title, Turaga Tui Nayau . Ratu Tevita, a former military general, fled to Tonga in 2011 and went into exile after the then Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama wanted him tried for treason . The royal family sheltered him in their Nuku'alofa palace, where he worked as an advisor to King Tupou VI. The Bainimarama administration banned him from re-entering Fiji - something that only became possible after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's government came into power in December 2022. The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being be bestowed upon Ratu Tevita this week. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs Tuesday's ceremony was highly significant because the titles had been vacant for more than two decades, following the death of Ratu Sir Kamisese in 2004. Ratu Tevita will receive two more titles, Tui Lau and Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau , on Thursday during a ceremony at Tubou village in Lau. University of Canterbury's distinguished professor Steven Ratuva believes his chiefly status and mana will pave the way for him enter politics. "It has been the practice in the past that chiefs stand for elections, because it gives them more status and power," Ratuva said. "I am not sure if he would put himself forward, he is quite a humble man and will have responsibilities as a provincial leader. But it is likely he will be approached by at least two political parties: Rabuka's ruling People's Alliance Party and Sodelpa." Professor Steven Ratuva Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis Ratuva said that even if he did not want to stand in next year's election, Ratu Tevita could be asked to support the parties and mobilise votes in his traditional constituency. "He might say no to both of them, so other parties might decide to approach him," he said. "Others might say keep away from politics, it's dirty. A lot of chiefs who are politics now get tangled up in all kinds of controversy, so he'll probably be torn between those two forces." Ratu Tevita has kept his political leanings to himself and it is unclear if he would back Rabuka's government. "Chiefly alliances change all the time, especially at this point in time, the political dynamics in Fiji are unpredictable." Ratu Sir Kamisese formed the Alliance Party in the early 1960s. It was Fiji's first ruling party from 1966 to 1987, when the party was beaten by a Labour-led coalition led by Timoci Bavadra. After less than a month in office, the new government was deposed in a military coup led by the then Lieutenant Colonel Rabuka.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Tonga's King and Queen in Fiji for historic chiefly investiture
The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being be bestowed upon Ratu Tevita this week. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs The King and Queen of Tonga are being feted in Fiji during historic ceremonies to present three chiefly titles to Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara this week. The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau , Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being bestowed upon Ratu Tevita, the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara. Hundreds of people gathered on Nayau Island in Lau - northeast of Fiji's main island - on Tuesday for a grand ceremony to witness the island's kingmakers present Ratu Tevita with the first title, Turaga Tui Nayau. Ratu Tevita, a former military general, fled to Tonga in 2011 and went into exile after the then Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama wanted him tried for treason . He had fallen out with one of his right-hand men when he was removed from the military's 3FIR platoon. The Bainimarama administration banned him from entering Fiji again - something that only became possible after the government of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka came into power in December 2022. Today's ceremony was highly significant because the titles have been vacant for more than two decades, following the death of Ratu Tevita's father in 2004. The state broadcaster FBC reports that the state visit by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u symbolises the shared heritage and deep historical and cultural ties between Lau and Tonga. "The visit will strengthen bilateral relations and regional collaboration between our two nations. It represents the deep bonds of friendship, cultural and historical links, and our shared commitment to advancing regional peace and prosperity of the Pacific family." The FBC said the visit provides the two nations with an opportunity to deepen cooperation on mutual priorities, such as climate change, economic resilience and sustainable development. The people of Lau are reportedly excited by the prospect of renewed leadership and unity. "The historic transition symbolizes the strengthening of connections across the Lau group and ushers in a new era of solidarity among the vanua," the FBC said. According to , Ratu Tevita has drunk from a traditional installation cup and is proceeding to the sacred pools for the customary cleansing rites. Ratu Tevita, also known as Toko Ului, is being guarded by Bati Leka and Bati Balavu . The leader of the Matanivanu clan of Vuninaya Akuila Qalo, 63, will confer the title, which was given to Ratu Sir Kamisese in 1969. The paramount chief of Macuata and a former president Ratu Wiliame Katonivere; the paramount chief of Rewa and former opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa; and the paramount chief of Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, are part of the ceremony. A government delegation, including the Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu and other government stakeholders, is attending the ceremony. The Maori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Pō will attend the ceremony to present the other two titles to Ratu Tevita on Thursday at Tubou village. Tonga's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u arrived at Fiji's Nausori Airport on Tuesday morning for their official State visit where they were welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu and Special Envoy to the Pacific William Toganivalu. 8 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government A100-man Guard of Honour is being accorded to King Tupou in Suva at the State House ahead of Thursday's ceremony. King Tupou is set to meet the Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and then attend a State banquet before leaving for Tubou village in Lakeba for the ceremony. Local media report that the King and Queen will be in Fiji until Saturday.
