The Fiji Labour Party secretary-general Mahendra Chaudhry says a fragmented opposition will not be able to effectively contest the 2018 general elections against the ruling FijiFirst party.

“As far as the Labour Party is concerned, it is of course our view that a fragmented opposition will not achieve the kind of success which a coalition of these parties can achieve,” he said.

Mr Chaudhry was speaking to the Fiji Sun yesterday, during the Fiji Labour Party annual convention and Delegates Conference at the Trans-International Hotel in Nadi.

He said he could not speak on behalf of the SODELPA or the National Federation Party. He said after preliminary talks with the People’s Democratic Party, a united front was worth pursuing.

But Mr Chaudhry stressed that FLP’s position remained the same and they were ready to form a coalition with the other opposition political parties.

“I have had discussions with a couple of their (PDP) members who were former members of the Labour Party, so yes, we have talked, but I cannot say that we have progressed to a stage where I can commit anything,” he said.

“My main purpose is to get across to political parties in opposition, that I sense that people want us to get together and it is for us to listen because they want a change and that change can only come about if we come as one.”

He said the parties had an understanding that they needed to work together, but details needed to be worked out.

“In principle the parties have endorsed the idea; just working out the details on how it should be achieved is another,” he said.

He said time was running out and it would all depend on the outcome of the other parties.

“We have a situation here; the electoral system is such, if we do not get together then we will not be as effective.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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