History
From the time of its inception, the SDL has stood for the economic and social advancement of all Fiji citizens. There was a strong focus however on reducing the economic gap between the different ethnic communities, which continued to be a controversial issue for many commentators who accused the SDL of blatant racism. It also calls for a consolidation of the rule of law and claims to support an independent judiciary.
The SDL contested 59 of the 71 parliamentary seats in the 2001 elections; this figure included only 7 of the 19 seats reserved for Indo-Fijians. It received 26 percent of the vote, well short of the 32 percent polled by the Fiji Labour Party, but helped by preference deals with other ethnic Fijian-dominated parties as well as the Indo-Fijian-led National Federation Party, it became the largest party in Parliament, with 32 out of 71 seats. It subsequently formed a coalition with the Conservative Alliance, which remains in office as of September 2005.
After the 2006 Military Coup, SDL Party Headquarters Office at 66 Mcgregor Rd, Suva. The Party Leadership structure remained firm amidst the political situation, Laisenia Qarase continued to be the Party Leader, Mr Solomoni Naivalu - President, Ro Dona Takalaiyale - Vice President, Ro Temumu Kepa - Patron. Peceli Kinivuawai remained National Director until he left for Australia and got himself a Protection Visa where Mr Samisoni Tikoinasau took over until he also had to leave and is also in Australia on a Protection Visa as well.
Mr Mataiasi Ragiagia took over as Party General Secretary and assisted by the senior executives who are responsible for the administrative and daily organisational affairs of the party. More information can be viewed on their website at www.sdl.org.fj
Read more about this topic: Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua
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