PM: FijiFirst Poll Line-up Reflects Party Core Values
With the commitment to maintain a diverse and inclusive body of representatives while continuously infusing the party with new thinking and perspectives, the country’s ruling party, FijiFirst, yesterday announced 51 provisional candidates for the 2018 General Election.
The announcement was made by FijiFirst Party leader and Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.
Mr Bainimarama said the party’s stand on diversity and inclusion was critical to maintain their dynamism and focus towards a “great and modern state in which all Fijians are empowered.”
“Our four core values of integrity, diversity, meritocracy and self-reliance drive us to achieve our stated objectives,” he said.
“The adherence to these core values is what our selected candidates possess.”
He said FijiFirst provisional candidates were rigorously scrutinised and appointed on merit.
Mr Bainimarama said: “Our women, our youth, our marginalised, our civil servants, those in the maritime and deep-rooted regions, our university students, our businessmen and women, our tourism industry stakeholders, sugarcane industry stakeholders, our farmers, our bus and taxi operators and drivers, our primary and high school students, our senior citizens, those of different faith-based organisations, those living with disabilities, for every single Fijian FijiFirst is your party.
“It is your party because we do not discriminate. It is your party because we care about every Fijian. It is your party because we want every Fijian empowered and it is your party because we give you stability, we give you security and equality, a must for all.”
Mr Bainimarama said unlike other political party’s FijiFirst and its candidates would conduct themselves with dignity.
“We will not lie, we will not engage in ethnic, religious, provisional politics. We will not make economically and financially irresponsible statements.”
He said the party’s message will be based on facts, positive engagement and on what Fiji can achieve as one people, one nation.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
Feedback: fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj
