National Federation Party (NFP) leader Biman Prasad was confident the 55-year-old party would form Government on its own.

He failed miserably, twice at that. If NFP is to be taken seriously, they will need to make some tough decisions. This needs to start with whether they want Biman Prasad to continue as their leader.

NFP’s manifesto had promised the earth and the moon to the Fijian electorate. From $5 minimum wage rate to reducing the cost of beer to decreases in all sorts of duties. It did not work.

People just did not take them seriously. If FijiFirst had offered something similar, there is a feeling that people would have taken that seriously and believed in the party to deliver it. Instead, FijiFirst took the moral high ground and stuck to what was achievable.

This outright rejection of NFP and its Christmas Wish list manifesto should be a wake-up call for NFP.

If it wants to seek solace in the fact that FijiFirst lost seats, they will be wasting their time and energy.

What NFP needs to focus on

The regurgitation of politicians who have failed to make a mark in the past is also something the party needs to do away with.

• Seni Nabou, the party vice-president, failed to secure her seat in Parliament in two elections now. She needs to retire from politics and from the party. Her dismal debate performance against FijiFirst’s Premila Kumar should have told her it was easier to shoot away on Facebook and not so easy when faced with tough questions on a live radio talkback
  show.
• Another vice-president of the party, Faizal Koya, also failed to get into Parliament. He had told FijiFirst that the silent majority would speak out on November 14. They did and
  Mr Koya lost the election.

NFP needs to do away with a number of other candidates who have been unable to make much difference to the party. Those candidates, who were most vocal leading up to the election, are the ones who will not be sitting in Parliament.

These include:

• Parmod Chand, who secured a seat in 2014 after former NFP president Tupou Draunidalo resigned, and lost his seat this time around.
• Similarly, Prem Singh lost his opportunity to be in Parliament as well. Both Mr Chand and Mr Singh received fewer votes compared to 2014.
• Trade unionist Attar Singh did more damage to the party after his inability to explain party policies. He failed in the last two elections, which he fought under the NFP banner and perhaps, he needs to rethink his political ambitions.
• Kamal Iyer, long-time NFP man is one of those who received the least votes in the party.
• Bala Das had fought the last two elections and a few previously. In 2014, and now in 2018, he has contributed next to nothing to the party.
• Ba man Davendra Naidu should also stop contesting under the party banner after two failed attempts.
• Former Fiji Labour Party (FLP) man Anendra Prasad should also bid adieu to politics. He has been rejected one too many times at the polls. Going back to FLP could be an option, but it is unlikely that he would be an asset on that side as well.
• Riddhi Damodar, who brought a Bollywood flavour to the campaign, should also consider giving up her short-lived political career.

Who shone?

NFP should instead focus on highlighting people like Aman Nath, who has potential to do well in the future.

Leslie Tikotikoca also has potential to do better with the right mentoring, as does Apenisa Vatuniveivuke.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj