Naselesele villagers criticise post-election ‘political silence’

Villagers in Naselesele, Wainikeli on Taveuni have called on political leaders to remain engaged with rural communities beyond election campaigns and not only when seeking votes.

The appeal was made during a consultation by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) today, where community members raised concerns about what they described as a recurring pattern of “political silence” after elections.

Village elder Mere Vueti openly expressed frustration, saying leaders often disappear after securing office.

“We see them during campaign time. They come with promises, they shake our hands, they sit with us. But after the election, it is like we no longer exist,” Ms Vueti said.

“Don’t just come when you need our votes. Come back when we need help too.”

Ms Vueti said the issue reflected a long-standing disconnect between rural communities and elected representatives.

“We welcome leaders during campaign periods, but that relationship should not end there,” she said.

“When they are in office, we still need them to listen, to return and to understand what is happening on the ground. Rural voices should not fade after elections are over.”

The villagers say true leadership should be measured not by campaign promises, but by consistent presence and action.

Officials facilitating the consultation said the engagement aimed to gather grassroots feedback to help shape possible constitutional and governance reforms, particularly around representation, accountability and service delivery in rural communities.