Traditional officer’s holders around the country have been reminded to remain neutral and apolitical.

This comes after queries were raised during the Rewa Provincial meeting questioning the position of traditional office holders should they wish to support the Roko Tui Dreketi in campaigning for SODELPA at the upcoming general election.

Permanent Secretary for I-taukei Affairs, Naipote Katonitabua says they will maintain their stand that all village headmen and district officials must remain politically neutral.

Katonitabua says District Officials and village headmen will have to stand down from their post if they are to take part in any political party campaigns for the general election.

“They should wear the Turaga-Ni-Koro and Mata-ni-Tikina Responsibility they have to be apolitical, they need to facilitate the government programs that comes into villages and what they should do is just to facilitate.”

This was also supported by I-taukei affairs board Deputy chief executive, Josefa Toganivalu adding that traditional office holders must remain impartial.

Katonitabua has also warned traditional office holders that strict actions will be taken against anyone found misusing their power to campaign for any political party.