Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently affirmed the freedom of Fijians to establish their own political parties, acknowledging that this trend may reflect dissatisfaction with the current Coalition Government. Responding to the Registrar of Political Parties’ indication that 14 proposed political parties are in the registration process, Rabuka considered this a healthy sign of political engagement.
This comes at a time when many citizens may feel disconnected from the three parties comprising the Coalition, including those who have broken away from the former FijiFirst Party. Rabuka expressed that the emergence of these new parties could lead to a more vibrant and competitive political landscape ahead of the 2026 General Election. He voiced confidence that this competition would foster a beneficial environment for democracy and citizen participation.
Earlier this week, the Registrar noted that the newly proposed parties are in compliance with the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures) Act 2013, and they are well on their way to formal registration. This increased interest in forming political parties highlights a growing enthusiasm among Fijians for representing diverse viewpoints and engaging in the political process.
The rise in proposed political entities may also serve to enhance accountability among existing parties, as they will need to connect more meaningfully with constituents in order to maintain support. As the electoral landscape evolves, there is a hopeful sentiment that the upcoming political contest will provide Fijians with more choices and opportunities for civic engagement, ultimately contributing to a stronger democratic process.
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