Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Alliance party, Sitiveni Rabuka, candidly addressed the challenges of engaging youth within the party during the annual general meeting held at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. Acknowledging the concerns expressed by party members regarding the diminishing involvement of younger individuals, Rabuka called attention to the absence of youth representation in the meeting when he asked attendees under 35 to stand but no one did.
Rabuka emphasized the importance of including young voices in the party’s strategies. He assured youth members that an action plan would be established to both involve them and consider their perspectives. “We are taking action with what you come up with. We are listening to you,” he stated, reiterating that the engagement of young people is crucial not only for the party’s future but also for the economy of Fiji.
During the meeting, Rabuka humorously reassured members to not feel dispirited, using iTaukei language to convey encouragement and unity within the party. Furthermore, he sternly reminded divisional representatives about the significance of the youth vote, highlighting that approximately 70 percent of voters in Fiji are young people. “If we fail to involve them in matters of the party, they will not know the importance of an election,” he stated, underscoring the need for effective communication to demonstrate how much young voters matter to the party.
Concerns were also raised during the meeting about the absence of the Youth Minister Jese Saukuru, sparking questions about the management’s plans to ensure youth involvement as the party gears up for next year’s General Election. Members echoed the sentiment that preserving and valuing youth engagement is essential, further reinforcing Rabuka’s call for actions that resonate with younger voters.
The meeting at the FMF Gymnasium marked a pivotal moment as Rabuka navigated internal dynamics within the party while addressing critical youth engagement issues. His leadership approach appears to embrace inclusivity and recognize that the strength of the People’s Alliance lies in its ability to adapt and resonate with a younger generation eager for representation in Fijian politics.
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