A new political party, named the G16, is being established by former members of FijiFirst as they prepare to contest the upcoming 2026 general elections. This initiative was announced by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu during a media conference at the Suva Business Centre, where he emphasized the collective belief among the members that they can offer a better alternative to the current government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, which is often characterized as chaotic and scandal-ridden.

In his remarks, Seruiratu linked the formation of the G16 to recent political changes, particularly the deregistration of the FijiFirst party. He described the G16 as the “loyal opposition” and underscored the importance of providing clarity to supporters regarding their future political direction. Seruiratu criticized the coalition government for failing to fulfill key promises made during the 2022 elections, pointing out that it has instead expanded into the largest cabinet in Fiji’s history with 22 ministers and assistants.

The G16 aims to foster values such as unity, fairness, and accountable leadership, while being committed to creating a “safe, secure, and prosperous Fiji” for all citizens. Seruiratu indicated that their vision includes a focus on merit-based equality and national unity, learning from the successes and shortcomings of their previous affiliations.

The emergence of the G16 underlines a significant shift in Fiji’s political landscape, providing an opportunity for increased political engagement and a more participatory democratic process as the country moves closer to the elections. This development not only raises hopes for better governance but also reflects a commitment to addressing the pressing socio-economic issues facing the nation.

As Fiji prepares for the 2026 elections, the formation of the G16 serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of its political environment, and the potential for renewed political discourse that may ultimately align more closely with the aspirations of the Fijian populace. The G16 represents a hopeful opportunity for change that encourages active participation and accountability in governance.