Prasad, Draunidalo could be new NFP faces January 24, 2014 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom By ROSI DOVIVERATA A prominent iTaukei lawyer could be in the National Federation Party lineup for this year’s General Election. Tupou Draunidalo, who acted as defence lawyer for former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in his abuse of office court case, has been touted as a possible candidate. Ms Draunidalo, a registered member of the NFP, has spoken in a number of party meetings on the rule of law and women’s participation in politics. She said: “At this moment I have not committed myself to anything.” But party officials see her as a great asset to the party as it continues its rebuilding process. She is iTaukei and she has the potential to attract young voters to the party particularly from the iTaukei. She is intelligent and officials are impressed with her ability to articulate issues that are topical today. Ms Draunidalo is no stranger to a party that was founded by leaders who came from the legal fraternity – like the late A D Patel and Siddiq Koya. She has an interesting background. Her mother was the late Labour and Fijian Association PArty leader Adi Kuini Vuikaba Speed. Her father was the late Colonel Savenaca Draunidalo, a former career army officer and later a Member of Parliament. Ms Draunidalo, who is in her 40s, could become the face of women and young voters for the NFP in its campaign to attract voters. Meanwhile, the search is on for a new party leader. The move is to attract young voters who will make up the biggest number in the upcoming General Elections. It is understood that party executives have reached a mutual understanding about who they want to take the party to the General Elections. Professor Biman Prasad is said to be earmarked for the position. He is currently away overseas and is expected to make his position known on his return. However, party president Raman Singh said Professor Prasad was a potential candidate for the party. “But a lot depends on his work contract,” Mr Singh said. Professor Prasad is employed at the University of the South Pacific. He was guest speaker during the party’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Nadi late last year. fijisun.fj/2014/01/24/prasad-draunidalo-could-be-new-nfp-faces/
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:10:46 +0000
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