On April 7, 1977, shortly after his re-election as the leader of the Alliance Party, outgoing Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara engaged in an open discussion with journalists in Suva. This meeting provided a rare glimpse into his thoughts following the general election outcome, as captured by Fiji Times chief reporter Robert Keith-Reid.
During the candid exchange, Ratu Mara expressed frustration with the electorate, describing them as having ‘deceived’ the Alliance Party. He firmly ruled out any possibility of forming a coalition government, citing the importance of maintaining his party’s principles. He articulated that any coalition would require compromises that he was unwilling to make, stating, “We cannot compromise our principles.” The Prime Minister highlighted his belief that forming alliances, especially with Indian-dominated parties, could lead to a loss of support among Fijian voters, which he deemed unacceptable.
Mara pointed out that despite receiving reports suggesting improved race relations before the election, the reality of the voter behavior contradicted those expectations. He noted, “We have seen so much deception during the election,” referring to the influx of voters who turned against them despite having previously sought support from his party.
When questioned on whether the National Federation Party (NFP), which had obtained a slim majority, could effectively govern, Mara suggested that he could lead the country efficiently even without a coalition. He believed in the ability of numerous prime ministers to lead effectively and stated his intention to return to Lakeba to reflect on the election results.
The discussion revealed Ratu Mara’s strong commitment to his party’s independence and integrity moving forward, as he emphasized the role of the Alliance in upholding parliamentary values by transitioning to opposition rather than attempting to cling to power. This reflection from nearly five decades ago underscores the ongoing complexities in Fijian politics, as contemporary political figures, similar to Mara, face challenges regarding party loyalty, voter trust, and the implications of coalition governance.
This historical context remains relevant today as current political leaders navigate coalition dynamics, emphasize party principles, and seek to engage in transparent governance. It provides hope that learning from past experiences can lead to improved political engagement and stability in Fiji’s governance, while also inspiring future discussions on maintaining integrity within political practices.
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