Most of their work leading up to the general election would involve footwork, personal contact and getting their message across to the masses.

Fiji Labour Party yesterday announced a mix of new and experienced provisional can­didates in its 2018 General Election line up.

New to the political arena, but a familiar face in trade union circles is Taina Rokotabua, 44, of Delaina­manu, Naitasiri. She is a law stu­dent at the University of the South Pacific.

During the 2014 General Election, she was a member and a strong supporter of the People’s Demo­cratic Party (PDP).

Along with FLP parliamentary leader Aman Ravindra-Singh and provisional candidate Mikaele Ma­taka, the trio made the switch to FLP last year.

Since then, she had her mind set on making an impact on the na­tional front.

“I’ve always had an interest in people’s welfare and making a dif­ference in their lives. Service to people rather than self has always been a motivating factor for me,” she said.

Her five children had no qualms about Ms Rokotabua’s political as­pirations.

“They’ve always known me to be a very strong mother, very disci­plined and they’ve always respect­ed my decisions.”

Her mother, Torika Liku Tobakei­suva was proud of Ms Rokotabua’s decision to stand.

“Like any other woman and moth­er, I know my daughter has a heart to serve people,” Ms Tobakeisuva said.

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry reminded the 19 candidates that most of their work leading up to the general election would involve “footwork, personal contact and getting their message across to the masses”.

Mr Chaudhry spent a fair bit of time criticising the FijiFirst Gov­ernment and questioned the kind of legacy they were leaving behind.

Yesterday the party also launched Labour’s Social Package.

Some of the highlights include:

– A reduction in the high cost of living

– Labour will restore FNPF pen­sion cuts

– Fair wages and workers’ rights

– Affordable quality education

From left, Torika Liku Tobakeisuva (mother), Fiji Labour Party provisional candidate Taina Rokotabua and Litia Lynell Lewairavu (daughter). Photo: Rosi Doviverata

The 18 provisional candidates an­nounced yesterday:

Lavinia Padarath – Suva, Former trade union executive and Labour MP

Monica Raghwan – Suva business executive and former Labour MP

Surendra Lal – trade unionist, Labasa cane farmer and former La­bour MP

Aman Ravindra-Singh – Lautoka lawyer.

Mikaele Mataka – Lautoka, trade unionist and social worker

Roneel Lalit Singh – Sigatoka sales executive and farmer

Taina Rokotabua –Final year law student and former trade unionist

Jone Cirinakaumoli – Ra, retired Fiji Sugar Corporation engineer

Anjila Chandra Badlu – Ba, re­tired school teacher

Ranil Krishil Chand – Lautoka businessman

Apolosi Rabawai Lasei – Lautoka, human rights and HIV activist

Fane Kacimaiwai – Suva school teacher.

Rupeni Nauci – Ba youth worker, executive member Fiji National Youth Council.

Avi Chaudhry – Nadi business­man

Ulaiasi Waqatanoa Tuikoro – Suva Pastor and former business­man.

Mohammed Salim – Ba business­man.

Aropiame Cavalevu – Sigatoka, Pastor.

Narendra Singh – Ba community worker and farmer.

Dharmendra Kumar – Suva law­yer

Edited by Percy Kean