Savenaca Narube, the leader of the Unity Fiji Party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, has urged the government to improve its situation. He expressed that the emergence of factions within the government, or within the Cabinet looking to establish a new political party, will not address the leadership and economic challenges currently confronting the nation.
Narube’s comments follow Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s disclosure about factions in his party, including Cabinet members who plan to break away and create a new party by 2026. Narube emphasized that the focus should not be on political parties, but rather on the credibility of their leadership. He pointed out that too often, the same politicians merely change party allegiances without any real commitment to principles.
He criticized the prevailing political culture, stating that many leaders are driven by personal ambition rather than the needs of the public. Narube highlighted the history of party-hopping by some politicians, suggesting that such patterns are likely to continue. He lamented the erosion of trust in politicians over the last two decades, urging voters to remain vigilant against being misled by familiar faces donning a new party image.
He called for voters to recognize the importance of their democratic rights in the upcoming 2026 elections, advocating for the selection of a leader who aims to transform the economy, reduce poverty, alleviate living costs, foster unity among diverse communities, ensure safety, and combat high-level corruption. Narube stressed the necessity of choosing a trustworthy leader to effect meaningful change.