Serious talks were held recently to discuss a proposal to form a single Opposition party with the aim of toppling the FijiFirst Government in the 2022 General Election.

While the idea may not be new, it was agreed that unless there is a united front, it is practically impossible to defeat FijiFirst under the current electoral system.

Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube, who attended the Suva meeting, issued this statement in response to questions sent to him:

“I firmly believe that all political parties that are not currently in government should form a single party to contest the 2022 General Election. This means that the elections become a two-party race. I have heard the increasing voice of the people demanding that opposition parties unite. This unity will provide a stronger platform needed for victory in 2022.

“There have been several meetings to promote the unity of opposition parties and these will continue. I can say that there is increasing support for this unity concept among all parties not in government. I believe that we can find a common platform, which centres on the people. The important issue of leadership and his or her attributes will be decided later.

“This unity initiative is in line with the founding aims of Unity Fiji.”

It is understood that the meeting took place at the home of a prominent businessman and was attended by Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry, National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad and Fiji United Freedom Party leader Jagath Karunaratne.

SODELPA was not represented. Either it was not interested or too engrossed in its internal conflict.

Mr Chaudhry said opposition parties met from time to time to discuss issues of national importance. On the proposal to merge all parties into one single party he said: “That we cannot do, because we have very distinct political parties, but there is room there to work together so long as we have the same policies. There can be cooperation. Of this moment, there is nothing of this sort, but certainly, the country needs a change in leadership.”

Mr Prasad declined to comment.

Mr Karunaratne said it was not a secret meeting. It was part of an ongoing meeting to seek unity among opposition parties with the aim to form the next Government.

He said he supported the move for a united party.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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