Koila Nailatikau - 2006 Candidate?

2006 Candidate?

It was reported on 15 June 2005 that Nailatikau was considering giving up her Senate seat to run for her old Lau Fijian Communal Constituency. She confirmed that the chiefly Vuanirewa clan, of which her late father was Paramount Chief, had asked her to stand as their candidate, but said that she would not make a final decision till August, when a one-year period of mourning for her late mother was due to end. She said she would consult her brothers before announcing any decision. Nailatikau did not indicate which political party, if any, she intended to join. Her former party, the Christian Democratic Alliance, was by now defunct, and she had relatives and in-laws in a number of different parties.

As the election, which was held on 6-13 May 2006 drew close, she indicated a wish to contest the Lami Open Constituency for the National Alliance Party (NAPF), led by her brother-in-law, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, but withdrew in favour of Ben Padarath, who had already been selected. Ratu Jioji Uluinakauvadra offered to withdraw his candidacy for the Nasinu Urban FijianCommunal Constituency in her favour, but she declined the offer, the Fiji Live new service reported on 8 April. She continued to campaign for the NAPF, however. Following the election, the Lau Provincial Council and the Great Council of Chiefs reappointed her to the Senate. There is speculation as of July 2006 that she may resign to join her husband, who has been offered a diplomatic post.

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