Roshika Deo has been confirmed as an independent candidate after the Fijian Elections office went through her application yesterday.

Ms Deo had filed it yesterday morning and her social media status confirmed that she has been finalised as an independent candidate after receiving a call from the elections office.

Earlier yesterday, Ms Deo issued a statement: “We have come to submit my nomination with 2790 signatures, which is more than the what was required, together with the declaration of assets and liabilities and a cheque,” she said.

She thanked the supporters of her movement ‘Be the Change’ to get everything together and for showing their confidence in her.

“ If it wasn’t for Be The Change committee people working hard all over the country, Labasa, Western Division, especially the ones from Nadroga/Navosa who made this possible. So it has been very much a team effort.”

Supporters of Be The Change were also at the elections office to show their support and express their confidence in her.

Ms Deo had pocket meetings and had been doing community outreach for nearly a year now.

She says she is proud to be standing as an independent which gives her more freedom.

“As an independent candidate, I am able to represent the voters directly. The votes goes directly to me and I am able to articulate out the concern, be the voice, strength and the power of the voters, “she said.

“I have the freedom to work without the party hierarchy and politics. I directly represent the issue. Instead of being party centric I am people centric.”

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