Social Democratic Liberal Party general secretary Simione Rasova has resigned with immediate effect, saying his continuing Magistrates’ Court proceedings risk distracting from the party’s election campaign and damaging its standing.
In a resignation letter dated 21 August 2026, Rasova informed SODELPA president Ratu Filimoni Belolevu Nabainivalu Soqeta that he would leave the position from 5pm that day.
Rasova said the proceedings had continued since 17 October 2020 and pointed to two forthcoming stages: a pre-trial conference scheduled for 1 September and a hearing set down for 12–16 October 2026.
“With the election campaign underway and candidate announcements finalized, it is vital that upcoming court dates…do not draw attention away from the party’s core mission or reflect negatively upon the office of the General Secretary,” he wrote.
Rasova said he had made the decision in the best interests of SODELPA and its leadership.
He thanked the party for the opportunity and trust placed in him during his 11 months as general secretary and wished it success in the 2026 General Election.
His resignation removes a potentially significant political distraction as SODELPA prepares for the election campaign. It does not, however, amount to an admission of wrongdoing, and the matters before the court remain to be determined through the judicial process.
SODELPA has yet to announce who will succeed Rasova as general secretary.
Rasova is charged with one count of giving false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged that on 14th of February 2019, he provided false information to the Acting Secretary-General to Parliament regarding his permanent place of residence, claiming it to be Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu, in order to obtain allowance payments amounting to $21,350.
Rasova's trial will be from the 12-16 October, 2026.
In a resignation letter dated 21 August 2026, Rasova informed SODELPA president Ratu Filimoni Belolevu Nabainivalu Soqeta that he would leave the position from 5pm that day.
Rasova said the proceedings had continued since 17 October 2020 and pointed to two forthcoming stages: a pre-trial conference scheduled for 1 September and a hearing set down for 12–16 October 2026.
“With the election campaign underway and candidate announcements finalized, it is vital that upcoming court dates…do not draw attention away from the party’s core mission or reflect negatively upon the office of the General Secretary,” he wrote.
Rasova said he had made the decision in the best interests of SODELPA and its leadership.
He thanked the party for the opportunity and trust placed in him during his 11 months as general secretary and wished it success in the 2026 General Election.
His resignation removes a potentially significant political distraction as SODELPA prepares for the election campaign. It does not, however, amount to an admission of wrongdoing, and the matters before the court remain to be determined through the judicial process.
SODELPA has yet to announce who will succeed Rasova as general secretary.
Rasova is charged with one count of giving false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged that on 14th of February 2019, he provided false information to the Acting Secretary-General to Parliament regarding his permanent place of residence, claiming it to be Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu, in order to obtain allowance payments amounting to $21,350.
Rasova's trial will be from the 12-16 October, 2026.
