The newly formed People’s First Party is carving out its own identity in the Fijian political landscape, asserting that it has no connections to former prominent figures Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Voreqe Bainimarama. Inia Seruiratu, the opposition leader and co-founder of the party, has categorically denied allegations suggesting that the new political organization is linked to the leaders of the now-deregistered FijiFirst Party, calling such claims unfounded.
Seruiratu stated, “Our proposed political party has nothing to do with the former leaders. We have broken clean from that arrangement; the party was deregistered, and they are not part of our party.” Responding to inquiries about whether any founders from FijiFirst might consider supporting the new party, he firmly asserted, “No, they will not join.”
In a show of solidarity with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s emphasis on integrity and respect ahead of the elections, Seruiratu highlighted the significance of engaging in a political contest based on ideas, principles, and ethics. He remarked, “Every promise and the words that we say will continue to haunt us in the future,” stressing the importance of wisdom and compliance with legal standards during the electoral process.
The optimistic outlook from the People’s First Party signals a desire for change in Fiji’s political narrative, focusing on integrity and definitively distancing itself from the previous administration. This approach could resonate with citizens yearning for a shift in leadership, fostering hope for a new political chapter characterized by ethical governance.