After seeing the unofficial elections results, FijiFirst candidate Sanjit Patel is gearing up for a transition from local government to Parliament.

The 45–year-old aspiring politician is looking forward to working at national level.

He says his previous experience in local government will assist him immensely.

He served as the mayor of Nadi in 2005 and created history after accumulating a surplus of $1.3 million during his term.

However, stepping into this transition will be challenging, but Mr Patel is gearing up before the new Parliament’s first meeting.

“I’m gearing up myself to see that I deliver what I promised,’’ Mr Patel said.

“Lots of challenges, lot of things to learn and there are a lot of issues that people have which we have to address.”

He said he was always interested in politics and enjoyed his term as a mayor of Nadi Town. He wanted to give back to the people of Fiji. He said his business would not affect his role in Parliament.

He said other political parties might think that joining FijiFirst was for personal gain. He saw this as an opportunity to give back to the community.

“My family has been very supportive in assisting me during the campaigns in Nadi. I’m very lucky and I thank my friends and families.”

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Canberra in Australia.

Why FijiFirst

Mr Patel had served as a councillor for the National Federation Party, but has turned to FijiFirst because of its proven track record.

“I was approached by NFP, but declined and later joined FijiFirst.

“FijiFirst has achieved a lot of things in a very short time and what inspired me is that after 2006 our economy has grown.

“This is the only party that believes in the people of Fiji.

“My vision is that FijiFirst should go for another eight years.

“The people of the nation have spoken and looking at the popularity of Voreqe Bainimarama, people should accept that he is the man to lead the country.”

He thanked Elections Supervisor, Mohammed Saneem for a smooth election.

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