Savenaca Narube, the leader of the Unity Fiji Party and a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, is urging the government to address its internal issues. He expressed concerns that reports of factions within the government looking to establish a new political party will not resolve the leadership or economic challenges facing the country.
This statement follows Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s disclosure about factions within his party, including members of his Cabinet planning to split and form a new party by 2026. Narube emphasized that the essence of political parties is irrelevant; instead, it is the credibility of leadership that truly matters. He criticized current politicians, suggesting they merely shift their affiliations without significant change in their approaches.
Narube pointed to the history of party-hopping by leaders, particularly referencing the current leader of the People’s Alliance Party, warning that this pattern is likely to repeat itself. He noted that absent firm principles, such leaders are prone to serving their interests over the public’s.
Trust, he stated, is a crucial component of national leadership, yet it remains elusive for many Fijians, who have lost faith in politicians over the past two decades. He cautioned voters against being misled by familiar faces portraying themselves in a new light, urging them to hold accountable those who have previously betrayed their promises.
As the 2026 elections approach, Narube called for voters to exercise their rights to remove untrustworthy politicians and to support leaders committed to economic transformation, poverty reduction, cost of living moderation, racial unity, safety, and the elimination of corruption at all levels.