Chaudhry urges voters to choose change in coming election

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has made his case for a change in government at the coming general election, putting the cost of living, unemployment, poverty and governance at the centre of Labour’s pitch to voters.

Speaking to supporters, Mr Chaudhry argued that Fiji needed broad reforms focused on accountability, transparency and effective leadership.

He accused successive governments of failing to adequately address problems affecting ordinary Fijians, including the cost of living, unemployment and poverty.

“There is much talk but little tangible progress,” Mr Chaudhry said.

He also pointed to challenges in health, education and infrastructure, as well as Fiji’s transport and sugar industries.

Mr Chaudhry attributed some of the difficulties facing key sectors to political appointments and what he described as a lack of merit-based leadership.

He also raised concerns about rural investment, HIV and Fiji’s drug problem.

Foreign workers, migration

Mr Chaudhry questioned the recruitment of foreign workers while Fijians remained unemployed.

He also raised concerns about professionals leaving Fiji for opportunities overseas and argued that the country was becoming increasingly reliant on foreign assistance, remittances and overseas workers.

“Fiji is increasingly dependent on foreign aid, remittances, and workers, which is seen as a sign of systemic failure,” he said.

Mr Chaudhry argued that this dependence increased Fiji’s economic vulnerability and risked eroding national sovereignty.

He also questioned the Government’s borrowing policies, saying borrowing continued despite commitments to reduce national debt and while poverty remained a concern.

Mr Chaudhry referred to World Bank and Reserve Bank of Fiji statistics in making his case about the economic challenges facing the country.

He also raised concerns about the independence and effectiveness of key institutions, including the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and made allegations about corruption and the administration of justice.

The Fiji Labour Party is positioning itself as an alternative government focused on reform, stronger governance and reducing Fiji’s dependence on foreign aid and external influence.

Mr Chaudhry urged voters to consider Labour’s proposed reforms when they cast their ballots in the coming general election.