Mahendra Chaudhry, the leader of the Fiji Labour Party, has expressed deep concerns over the current state of the nation, describing it as “standing at the crossroads” due to increasing political uncertainty, economic pressures, and governance failures that are diminishing public trust in the Coalition Government.
In his poignant New Year’s message, Chaudhry highlighted the significant challenges facing Fiji, criticizing the Coalition for what he sees as a lack of solutions and merely offering “hollow and sanctimonious rhetoric” with little substance. He pointed to issues such as the stalled municipal and Growers Council elections, the delay in necessary electoral reforms, and ongoing ambiguity surrounding constitutional amendments. “Three years down the line… there is no hope of municipal council elections being held,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency for action.
Chaudhry raised alarm about the government’s silence on proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution, which he believes is fostering anxiety among minority communities. He also critiqued the administration’s performance in safeguarding democratic freedoms, citing concerns about media funding, the Online Safety laws, and the Referendum Bill. “It promised restoration of full democratic rights and freedoms — it promised much, it delivered little,” he lamented.
On the economic front, Chaudhry warned that Fiji’s reliance on financial support from development partners highlights deeper systemic issues, as domestic industries struggle. He pointed to the decline in essential services, mentioning the state of hospitals, roads, and the prevalence of water disruptions.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about rampant corruption, highlighting the absence of a Code of Conduct or an Accountability and Transparency Commission. The challenges facing critical sectors, such as the sugar industry, the ongoing drug crisis, and decline in rural areas, illustrate the complexity of the problems at hand. “The impression one gets is of a government bungling its way through,” Chaudhry voiced.
He concluded with a call for “bold, decisive leadership” to steer Fiji away from its current troubles, underscoring the necessity for meaningful change to restore public confidence and address the pressing issues confronting the nation. This message serves as a rallying cry, urging leaders to take immediate action in response to the concerns of the citizens.
Leave a comment