The newly established People First Party in Fiji has firmly rejected allegations suggesting that it is merely a front for former leaders of the FijiFirst party. The party’s co-founder, Inia Seruiratu, stated that these claims are unfounded. He clarified that the new political entity is completely separate from its predecessor, having distanced itself after the deregistration of FijiFirst.
Seruiratu expressed confidence that the new party operates independently of any former FijiFirst leaders, underlining that they have moved away from that association. He added that decisions regarding the formation of new parties lie with those former members.
Despite speculation, the Opposition Leader has also dismissed rumors that he is at the helm of People First. The party’s formation includes Seruiratu, Jone Usamate, and Semi Koroilavesau, all of whom were senior FijiFirst members and served as ministers in the previous government, which was led by ex-Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. It’s worth noting that FijiFirst has been deregistered, with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also having no ties to the new party.
As political activities ramp up, attention is turning toward the timeline for the next general election. The earliest date for the electoral writ to be issued is June 24, 2026, with potential election day falling on August 7, 2026. The last possible writ date is set for December 24, 2026, leading to a final election day of February 6, 2027.
In a related development, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has initiated an “Introduction to Elections” media training for Fijian Broadcasting Corporation staff. This training aims to educate attendees on the electoral cycle, which encompasses various stages from voter registration and campaigning to polling and post-election processes. Mataiciwa emphasized the importance of accurate reporting during elections, as live coverage is broadcast across multiple platforms. She highlighted that a strong grasp of the electoral process is crucial for preventing misinformation and ensuring the public remains well-informed as the election season approaches.
This proactive approach to training and understanding the electoral process is a positive step towards a more informed electorate and suggests that the integrity of the upcoming elections will be a priority as political dynamics evolve in Fiji.
Leave a comment