Savenaca Narube, the leader of the Unity Fiji Party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, is urging the government to address its internal issues. He expressed concern that reports of factions within the government planning to form a new political party will not resolve the leadership and economic challenges facing the nation.
Narube’s comments followed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s admission of factions within his own party, including members of his Cabinet, who are allegedly preparing to break away and create a new political entity by 2026.
He emphasized that the focus should not be on political parties, but rather on the integrity of the leadership within those parties. “It is the credibility of the leadership in the party that matters; otherwise, it is the same politicians simply changing their clothes,” Narube remarked.
He criticized politicians who prioritize their own power, stating that their behavior suggests a repeated cycle of political opportunism, particularly referencing the leader of the People’s Alliance party.
“There is a saying that what goes around comes around,” he noted, highlighting the issues of trust in Fiji’s political landscape. He pointed out that the public has lost faith in politicians who have been in power over the past two decades.
Narube called on voters to be wary of long-serving politicians disguised under new leadership, warning that failing to change their voting habits will only perpetuate their current plight. He urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights in the upcoming 2026 elections by opting for leaders who prioritize economic transformation, poverty reduction, a more manageable cost of living, racial unity, safety, and the eradication of high-level corruption. He advocates for a trustworthy leader who can bring real change.