14 Parties too Many for Fiji: Tui Labasa

A paramount chief said some proposed political parties showing interest to register for the 2026 General Election were power hungry and not nation-centred.

Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate said some parties were formed out of personal agenda and financial benefits.

He said the increase to 14 proposed political parties showed the division among the people of Fiji.

“So many people have so many ambitions,” he said.

“They all want to be leaders, no one wants to be a follower. No one wants to be second best. Every party wants to be the best.”

Ratu Jone said the emergence of new parties showed ambition, but this should be reflected on the

best interest of the nation.

“We don’t have that electorate population to vote for 14 parties.”

He called for unity to prevail and aspiring election candidates to join existing parties and come to a common ground to contest.

“Having more parties contest the election will have a lot of wasted votes not helping them to enter Parliament,” he said.

Ratu Jone said a prominent party in the last election won thousands of votes, but did not win any seat because it did not meet the five per cent threshold.

“Be wise, and make the right decision in contesting the election.”

Ratu Jone said he did not support the reduction of eight years or two election cycles for former prisoners who wanted to become election candidates.

“They should first integrate into the community and serve positively and then return to the political

circle,” he said.

“You cannot just come out of prison and want to compete for the General Election. You need time for people to trust you again.”

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