This week we celebrate that our young democracy is one-year-old. After going through eight years without it, we should savour this moment, defend it and treasure it.

The transition to democracy was done in a free, peaceful and credible manner. We are not only saying it but independent international monitors comprising the Multinational Observer Group also vouched that the general election in September last year was free, fair and credible. They blew to smithereens allegations that the election was rigged to allow FijiFirst to win.

The allegations were made to mask the real reasons why SODELPA, National Federation Party, Fiji Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party lost. As far as SODELPA is concerned it was its own worst enemy.

It’s pro-indigenous policies in its current form failed to match the pro-development and pro-equality policies  of FijiFirst.

To make matters worse the different cliques in the party with their own agendas held a stranglehold on it and frustrated its efforts to move forward. It negated whatever the party gained on the field by its hardworking foot soldiers.

The NFP was a shadow of the party that influenced politics in Fiji in the 1980s. If it does not make crucial strategic changes in as far policy direction goes it could run into danger of becoming irrelevant like the FLP and PDP.

It would take a massive effort to lift the PDP and FLP from the doldrums and get them going again. Both parties were founded on the back of the labour movement and the sugarcane belt. But their policies, similar in many ways, failed to find the traction they required to re-establish their niche in national politics.

Their problem has been highlighted by Professor Vijay Naidu of the University of the South Pacific. He says there is no room for two parties with similar ideologies, either they amalgamate or one is dissolved.

And so as we enter into the second year of parliamentary democracy, it will be down to the three parties again.

SODELPA appears to have learned from its part experiences. It’s amended constitution, the restructuring and election of new office bearers are part of needed changes it feels will strengthen it before the 2018 general election.

The current division in the party highlights the burden it has been carrying since its inception. In fact most members of the party were affiliated to the Laisenia Qarase’s SDL Party. It can no longer continue as the reincarnation of SDL. It must carve it’s own future and focus on policies that will win them support.

SODELPA must realise that many iTaukei now are more interested in improving their living standards than worrying about political ideologies that have no relevance to their economic survival and advancement.

As the senior Opposition partner in Parliament, it must lead from the front with solid presentations on how we can improve our economic status and general wellbeing. At times it seems that the NFP is the senior partner.

A strong Opposition is essential for a strong Parliament. It’s role is to ensure that Government is delivering on its promises to the people.

At the same time it could be offering ideas on how Government can do better. This will mean more research and contacts with people for accurate information.

The quality and standard of parliamentary debates depends on the substance of MPs’ submissions. Whether it’s a question or a statement, they must be relevant and important.

This last year, debates fell woefully short of the required standards. The Speaker, guided by the Standing Orders, had to intervene on several occasions to bring debates back to line because they had strayed from the subject matter.

Starting next week we expect MPs to lift their performance. People watching them on national television deserve better from them.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj