Thomas Carnegie
AUCKLAND (Pacific Scoop / Pacific Media Watch): Ahead of next week's elections, Fiji's Social Democratic Liberal Party has issued a response to those who questioned why the party leader cancelled a scheduled televised debate with the Fiji First leader.
The leader of SODELPA, Ro Teimumu Kepa, challenged the leader of Fiji First, Voreqe Bainimarama, to a debate on Fiji Broadcasting Corporation TV’s 4 the Record show three weeks ago while appearing on FBC.
The Fiji First leader took up the challenge and made himself available on September 12 for the debate.
However, Ro Teimumu yesterday pulled out of the debate, sparking debate on social media about the reasons behind her cancellation.
News agencies contributed to the debate, saying that Ro Teimumu was extremely media shy and asking what she was afraid of.
But SODELPA’s director of communications, Jese Sikivou said he emailed FBC TV editor Edwin Nand to decline the invitation due to a scheduling conflict.
Sikivou said the decision to cancel was made as Ro Teimumu had recently appeared on FBC. He said they also took into consideration that another debate through FijiVillage will take place between the two leaders on September 14.
Hitting back
Sikivou also hit back at the media agencies who criticised Ro Teimumu’s decision.
“It should be noted and noted well that only a scant three weeks ago, the Gone Marama Bale did appear live on FBC and Frank Bainimarama failed to show nor did send his apologies.”
Sikivou said that he had earlier questioned the show’s format as he did with all journalists requesting interviews.
“That is my responsibility as the director of communications and forms a large part of the decisions I make regarding the Gone Marama Bale’s participation and the best use of her time.
“It also forms part of my briefing for her. Its called doing my job,” he said.
Ro Teimumu became leader of the party in March this year after she was unanimously elected by party members.
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Thomas Carnegie
