Sai Lelea, president of the People’s Alliance New Zealand (PANZ), urged his party to enhance its political management during a general assembly in Lautoka last Friday. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability to be central to their governance approach.
Mr. Lelea highlighted a growing perception that the party’s leadership is caught in a cycle of crisis management rather than proactive leadership. This situation, he noted, detracts from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other ministers’ ability to establish a clear vision for the party. He called for the implementation of systems that would alleviate these distractions, allowing leaders to focus on their roles.
He stressed the importance of open communication among government ministers and the necessity of making key policies and programs understandable and accessible to all Fijians, regardless of where they reside.
Furthermore, he proposed that hiring political experts to advise ministers could enhance governance. These advisors, he said, would provide crucial expertise to help ministers concentrate on serving the public.
Mr. Lelea also suggested establishing a regular schedule for ministerial interaction with overseas voters, noting that channels such as radio programs and Zoom sessions could facilitate ongoing communication and keep expatriates informed.
He reiterated the importance of making every citizen, whether at home or abroad, feel heard and valued. He emphasized that engagement with overseas constituents should not be limited to election periods but maintained consistently throughout the year. Regular visits by officials would help connect with overseas communities and leverage their insights.
In today’s digital age, he asserted that technology should eliminate geographical barriers, allowing for meaningful consultations on significant legislative changes and reforms. This ongoing dialogue, he concluded, would enrich democracy and keep the government in sync with the perspectives of the diaspora.