People's First open to retaining Deputy Prime Minister roles if elected

People First Party (PFP) leader Inia Seruiratu says his party would consider retaining Deputy Prime Minister positions if elected to Government, arguing the roles help share the workload and maintain balance in coalition administrations.

Mr Seruiratu told this masthead that the decision on whether to appoint deputy prime ministers ultimately rested with the prime minister.

The Coalition Government currently has two serving Deputy Prime Ministers, Viliame Gavoka and Manoa Kamikamica, while National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad, a former Deputy Prime Minister, is undergoing court proceedings.

Mr Seruiratu said while some critics viewed the Deputy Prime Minister positions as unnecessary, he believed the roles served an important purpose in coalition governments by ensuring a balance of power among governing parties.

"For ministers who serve with the additional DPM role, they do not get paid separately for this responsibility, it is vital people or critics understand this," he said.

The former Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management said the current Coalition Government had adopted a collaborative approach that helped maintain working relationships among the People's Alliance, the National Federation Party and the Social Democratic Liberal Party.

Mr Seruiratu said that if the PFP won the next General Election or formed a coalition government and he became Prime Minister, he would consider appointing deputy prime ministers to support the work of Government.

"I will make the call on the need for DPMs if elected into government."

The Coalition Government has frequently faced criticism from opponents, who have described it as a "bloated" administration because of the number of ministers and assistant ministers relative to Fiji's population.

Meanwhile, PFP founding member Alvick Maharaj said the party remained committed to leadership that promoted equality and a shared national identity for all Fijians.

Mr Maharaj said recent visits around the country had given party officials a better understanding of the issues affecting ordinary people and highlighted gaps in service delivery.

Northern tour

Mr Seruiratu said the PFP's recent visit to the Northern Division allowed the party to hear first-hand the challenges faced by communities, including poor roads, limited bridge access, weak internet connectivity and difficulties accessing markets.

"Our supporters managed to find people who felt the PFP shared their views and helped with registration of the party," he added.