Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reflected on the political landscape during the Coalition Government’s two-year journey, highlighting the negativity he faced leading up to the 2022 General Election. He stated that he was labeled a “snake,” as well as subjected to various accusations, including accusations of using race cards.
Rabuka noted that he has grown accustomed to personal insults, recalling his experiences with former Prime Minister Jai Ram Reddy from 1992 to 1999. He emphasized that during the recent elections in 2018 and 2022, he and Professor Biman Prasad encountered similar attacks, which contributed to a climate of fear among voters, particularly within the Indo-Fijian community.
In an effort to address these concerns, Rabuka introduced himself to the electorate, stating, “I am Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, whose favorite dish is dhal and rice.” He asserted that Prasad would not have agreed to a post-election coalition government if there were no mutual trust.
Rabuka expressed his commitment to dispel any fears regarding his intentions as a national leader, particularly within the Indo-Fijian community. He urged the electorate to trust in the Coalition Government’s objective of rebuilding Fiji’s future together. He concluded by stating that by the next election, the electoral landscape would look markedly different from what it has in the past.