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Fiji's former PM takes helm of major opposition party

Xinhua, June 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

Sitiveni Rabuka, leader of Fiji's 1987 coups and Fiji's former prime minister, has been chosen as the party leader for the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), the Pacific island country's major opposition party, leading local newspaper Fiji Sun reported Friday.

Rabuka, who presented a traditional apology to the party to seek the forgiveness of members for his role in the 1987 coups, has been accepted as party leader at SODELPA's annual general meeting.

On behalf of the party, SODELPA President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu accepted Rabuka's apology.

Rabuka was in a close tussle with two other party leader nominees. After his appointment, opposition MPs, including a party leader nominee, said they will support Rabuka.

Rabuka led two coups in 1987 and was elected as prime minister in 1992, serving as head of government until 1999. Endit