Sai Lelea, the president of the People’s Alliance New Zealand (PANZ), has urged the party to enhance its political management. He made these remarks during the party’s general assembly held in Lautoka last Friday.
Lelea stressed the importance of prioritizing transparency and accountability within their governance framework. He highlighted the need to improve political management to move away from a crisis-driven leadership style, which he believes detracts from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s ability to establish a clear vision and direction for the party.
He called for the implementation of systems designed to minimize distractions for leaders, allowing them to focus on effective governance. Lelea also emphasized that government ministers should encourage open communication to ensure that essential policies and programs are accessible and understandable for all citizens, whether they are in Fiji or living abroad.
Moreover, he suggested hiring political experts to advise ministers, thereby providing much-needed expertise to keep them focused on meeting the needs of the people. Regular engagement with overseas voters was another recommendation, with Lelea advocating for radio programs and Zoom sessions to maintain communication and connection with expatriates, enhancing their involvement and investment in Fiji’s future.
Lelea is committed to fostering a collective effort toward a Fiji where every citizen’s voice—both home and abroad—is acknowledged and valued. He emphasized the importance of proactive leadership and continuous engagement with overseas voters, not just during election cycles, to leverage their insights and support.
He asserted that in today’s technological era, distance should not be an obstacle to participation. By utilizing digital tools, the government can engage overseas citizens in discussions about significant legislative reforms and policy changes, facilitating a two-way dialogue that strengthens democracy and aligns governance with the perspectives of all Fijians.