The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is ramping up preparations for the upcoming general elections, with a renewed commitment to enhance participation from youth and women. The party’s General Secretary, Simione Rasova, indicated that a key focus will be strengthening internal structures in advance of the party’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for November 8. This meeting aims to ensure compliance with the party’s constitution while establishing dedicated youth and women’s committees to shape the campaign strategy.
Rasova highlighted that the creation of a new candidate application portal on the party’s website allows individuals to express interest in joining SODELPA confidentially, promoting an inclusive approach to political engagement. The party is optimistic about attracting voters, particularly in light of the deregistration of FijiFirst, potentially opening new opportunities for over 200,000 voters, with hopes to secure at least half of that number in the forthcoming elections.
Acknowledging past coalition efforts, Rasova confirmed that SODELPA’s alliance with the People’s Alliance and the National Federation Party remains strong, though he noted that only around fifty percent of shared commitments have been fulfilled so far. Despite these hurdles, he praised the party’s ministers for successfully implementing over 70 percent of promises made in the 2022 manifesto within key ministries including Education and iTaukei Affairs.
The leadership of Party Leader and Education Minister Aseri Radrodro remains a cornerstone of SODELPA’s strategy, with confidence in his ability to lead the nation as the next Prime Minister. The emphasis on youth and women in leadership roles signals SODELPA’s commitment to a progressive political approach, aiming to resonate with the electorate’s desire for change.
As SODELPA navigates the evolving political landscape of Fiji, the party’s proactive measures, including a robust ground-up engagement strategy and focus on inclusivity, create a positive outlook for its potential impact in shaping governance in the country. These actions reflect a hopeful vision for a revitalized political future, fostering an environment where diverse voices can contribute meaningfully to the democratic process in Fiji.