Eleven serving Members of Parliament did not make the cut to contest this year’s general election under the FijiFirst party banner.

However, they were specifically acknowledged by the Party leader and Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, during yesterday’s announcement of the FijiFirst 2018 General Election provisional candidates.

“Your time and energy is greatly acknowledged,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“My message to all those who applied whether sitting Members of Parliament or new applicants who will not be contesting the 2018 elections as a FijiFirst candidate please remember FijiFirst looks forward to your continued support and there are many ways to remain involved with FijiFirst and promotion of its ideals.”

Those who did not make the list include Minister for Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola (Did not seek re-election), Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ruveni Nadalo, Former Assistant Minister for Environment, Local Government and Housing Lorna Eden, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Joeli Cawaki, Netani Rika, Balmindar Singh, Alifereti Nabulivou, Samuela Vunivalu, Jilila Kumar, Mohammed Dean and Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou.

The PM also thanked the hundreds of Fijians who applied to be a candidate for the FijiFirst including those who went through the interview process.

“Thank you for your interest, support and commitment towards the ideals of FijiFirst. Just because you have not been successful this time does not mean that you cannot apply the next time nor does it mean that we will not work with you in the lead up to the 2018 elections to gather support for FijiFirst,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama said the party valued the commitment shown by unsuccessful applicants and assured them that FijiFirst would reach out to them in the next few weeks.

“Experienced individuals such as yourself can go on to carry the FijiFirst ideals outside government and we will endeavour to give you that opportunity,” he said.

When questioned as to why the serving MPs were not included in the line-up Mr Bainimarama said the party’s newly announced provisional candidates were “interviewed and picked on merit”.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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