A recent survey by The Fiji Times revealed that Fijians desire a President who is connected to the community, possesses strong moral values, and prioritizes the nation’s interests in decision-making. Many respondents emphasized the importance of good character and a solid educational background as essential qualifications for the role.
An economist highlighted that the next head of state should be attuned to the people’s issues and earn their respect. “We need someone of stature, with moral values and a genuine commitment to Fiji,” he remarked, adding that the individual should maintain a degree of political neutrality to foster progress.
A resident from Lautoka expressed that possessing chiefly titles shouldn’t be mandatory. Instead, he believes that a candidate’s health and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the office are crucial. “It doesn’t matter if they are a chief or another respected individual, as long as they have a good grasp of the community’s needs,” he stated.
Some residents pointed out that the President should be adaptable and bring innovative ideas on blending traditional culture with contemporary society. Moreover, they stressed the importance of the President being approachable and able to engage with Fijians from all walks of life, regardless of their religious, racial, or economic backgrounds.