More Young People to Enter Politics: Usamate

Opposition Independent Member of Parliament, Jone Usamate, while at Labasa yesterday, stressed that more young people should enter politics in the 2026 General Election to represent the interest of the younger voters in the country.

Mr Usamate said the former FijiFirst party had one of the youngest politicians Ketan Lal and Rinesh Sharma.

“During that election year in 2022, we also went out to get more women to join the party as candidates,” Mr Usamate said.

Mr Usamate, said it was imperative to get different voices from the young generation perspective.

“Old politicians look at things from their point of view, we need to get a balance,” he said.

Mr Usamate remains committed to his Opposition role despite some Opposition members giving their support to Government.

“We need to have a good alternate side to keep Government in check,” he said.

“We as MPs should try to understand how parties can entice young people to enter politics for a balanced view”.

He reiterated his intention to contest as a candidate in the next general election.

On the 14 political parties proposing their interest in the comning election Mr Usamate said: “First of all to get registered, they have to get 5000 signatures to confirm their interest of support towards the party.

“They also must meet the 5 per cent voter threshold to gain a seat in Parliament”.

He emphasised that judging from the 2022 General Election, only four political parties entered Parliament.

The parties were: People’s Alliance, National Federation Party, Social Democratic Liberal Party and FijiFirst party.

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