SODELPA

Key points:

• It comes after two days of negotiations following Fiji's election, which saw no party win an outright majority
• The announcement marks the end of 16 years of leadership under Frank Bainimarama
• A narrow majority of SODELPA members voted to side with the People's Alliance Party and the NFP

The People's Alliance Party lead will lead Fiji for the next term after his People's Alliance party clinched a deal with the Social Democratic Liberal Party this afternoon.

Sitiveni Rabuka's appointment was confirmed during Friday's annual party meeting in Suva.

Mr Rabuka led two coups in 1987 before becoming prime minister in 1992 and holding that role until losing the 1999 election.

He said his first action as leader was to give an official and traditional apology for the injuries of 1987.

"During my interview it was brought up that that many women in Fiji still resent me, still reject me as a leader because of 1987."

In a joint statement, Ro Teimumu Kepa and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu said while the Prime Minister's decision to extend the consultation period was welcomed, they hoped that at the end of the exercise, all views, including those who wanted to retain the current flag would be heard.

The SODELPA leaders said if most wanted a change, then so be it.

"But if the majority wants our flag retained, then we encourage the Prime Minister to listen to the wishes of the people as he has done on this occasion."