The President of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Joe Dimuri, has highlighted the significant role of youth in shaping Fiji’s political landscape, following a robust turnout at the PAP Special Youth Assembly General Meeting held at the Suva Civic Auditorium.
During the assembly, Dimuri articulated the critical nature of political power, which he stated is derived from numbers and must be responsibly exercised within the framework of the law. He expressed on social media that effective participation in democratic systems is fundamentally about numbers, emphasizing, “it’ll forever be a game of numbers.”
He pointed out that the youth demographic, specifically those aged 18-35, represents the largest segment of voters, making them “kingmakers” in any election. He expressed confidence in the potential of the youth, stating, “Given the huge turnout yesterday, I am convinced our youths understand that this luxury lies in their court. They are the nation’s most powerful political force.”
Reflecting on past elections where many young voters abstained, Dimuri remains optimistic about a shift in engagement for the upcoming 26th General Election. He noted, “Many had tried to discard them as having lost interest in the party. But they are well in the fold. The turnout was an explicit reflection of their unwavering confidence in the party, its leadership, and what it stands for.”
Furthermore, Dimuri emphasized that the influence of youth extends beyond just their voting power. He remarked, “Their value is not only defined by their voting numbers but how useful a resource they can be on the campaign trail.” As the party’s National President, he expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of better performance, buoyed by the commitment and zeal demonstrated by the youth at the assembly.
The increasing involvement of young voters signals a heightened awareness and active participation in Fiji’s political process, heralding a promising future for the nation’s democracy. Such trends reflect a rejuvenation of the political landscape, driven by the energy and determination of the younger population.