'Aisake Eke served as finance minister in successive governments before being sacked by prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva for abstaining in a vote of no-confidence against Mr Pohiva.
Dr Eke had been named as one of a number of candidates affiliated to a new grouping, Langafonua 'a e Masiva, which includes former democratic party members 'Isi Pulu and Sunia Fili.
But he said he remains independent and will do so until political parties are officially brought in.
