The President of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Joe Dimuri, has underscored the vital importance of youth in influencing Fiji’s political scene following a strong turnout at the PAP Special Youth Assembly General Meeting held at the Suva Civic Auditorium.
During the assembly, Mr. Dimuri emphasized that politics equates to power, which is derived from numbers and must be wielded judiciously under the rule of law. He articulated on social media that in democratic environments, “it’ll forever be a game of numbers.”
He pointed out that the youth demographic in Fiji, particularly those aged 18-35, constitutes the largest group of voters, effectively making them “kingmakers” in any electoral process. “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,” he noted.
Acknowledging the previous elections where many young voters did not participate, Mr. Dimuri expressed optimism that the trend will shift during the upcoming 26th General Election. He remarked, “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.”
Mr. Dimuri also highlighted that youth influence reaches beyond mere voting numbers. He stated, “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 great optimism about performing better due to the renewed commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by the youth at the assembly.
The engagement of young voters reflects a growing awareness and involvement in the political process, hinting at a vibrant future for Fiji’s democratic landscape.