Opposition Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Rinesh Sharma recently voiced his aspirations to see greater participation from the youth in Fiji’s political landscape during a visit to Labasa. He emphasized the need for “young minds” to contribute innovative ideas in shaping a united Fiji. While acknowledging the ongoing discussions on increasing women’s representation in politics, he stressed the importance of not overlooking Fijian youths in this dialogue.
Sharma pointed out that getting involved in politics requires dedication and a readiness to serve the nation, noting that it comes with unique challenges, including public scrutiny on social media and potential threats to MPs. He urged young individuals to reflect on their readiness for the rigors of political engagement.
This call for youth involvement aligns with similar sentiments expressed by other political figures, such as Independent MP Jone Usamate, who noted the increasing importance of young representatives as the demographic of young voters grows. There is a shared recognition among lawmakers that the absence of sufficient youth representation contributes to outdated political perspectives, which do not resonate with the reality faced by younger generations.
Echoing these concerns, representatives from the Fiji Law Reform Commission have also highlighted the need to engage young voters actively, demonstrating a collective movement towards an inclusive democratic environment. With about two-thirds of Fiji’s population being under the age of 30, fostering political participation among youth is essential for a governance system that reflects the diverse needs of all Fijians.
These discussions represent a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s future governance, underscoring the potential for a more inclusive and representative political framework as more young voices choose to engage in the electoral process. The vibrant political engagement of youth could pave the way for a more dynamic and responsive governance that truly serves the interests and needs of the entire population.
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