[8] In order to retain its acronym, the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) reformed as the Social Democratic Liberal Party.

[12] The party was temporarily led by Tupeni Baba, but in March 2013 it unanimously selected former SDL Cabinet Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa as its first permanent leader.

[17][18] In July, it released its manifesto, promising to reduce poverty, restore the Great Council of Chiefs, and revive the Qoliqoli Bill, which had been stopped by the 2006 coup.

[31] The party ran 54 candidates during the election and finished fourth, obtaining 5.14% of the vote and receiving 3 seats in parliament.

[33] Once the final results were released, in accordance with SODELPA's constitution, Gavoka ceased to be leader as the party did not obtain a parliamentary majority.

[34] SODELPA announced its list of non-negotiable terms which included bringing back the Great Council of Chiefs, providing free tertiary education, forgiving student loans, and establishing an embassy in Jerusalem.

They also urged the party leadership to reconcile differences with Rabuka to bring Bainimarama's 16-year "dictatorial rule" to an end.

[47][48] After the announcement, SODELPA's general secretary Duru resigned, claiming there was irregularities in the management board's vote and demanded that the result be declared null and void.

[51] On 21 December, the FijiFirst party refused to concede defeat; general secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said it can only be called after the election of the prime minister by parliament.

[55] The party's outgoing leader, Viliame Gavoka, said "Democracy had won; We went into it fully committed to ensuring that we have the best for this country.

[60] The party supported bringing back the Great Council of Chiefs, which was a condition of the coalition agreement between the People's Alliance, the NFP and SODELPA.