Editorial: Voters want honesty, service and accountability from leaders

Three separate announcements made yesterday at different venues carried one powerful and united message for Fiji’s leaders: Fijians are watching, listening and demanding better, especially ahead of the upcoming General Election.

First is the concern from Neselesele villagers on Wainikeli, Taveuni during consultations by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC). Their frustration revealed a growing and dangerous problem in Fiji’s democracy — “political silence.”

When villagers refer to leaders as “lying politicians,” it signals more than anger. It reveals the broken trust between the people and those elected to represent them.

The CRC consultations are to hear the voices of Fijians and help shape a Constitution that protects their welfare, rights and future.

Villagers are reminding politicians and leaders ahead of the election campaign not to deliver false promises, and be ‘wolves in sheep skin,’ and disappear after securing votes.

Rural communities want leaders who deliver and voice their needs. Leaders who listen, who understand the daily struggles Fijians face, unemployment and rising living costs.

The announcement by the Fijian Elections Office that the campaign period begun yesterday should warn aspiring candidates and sitting parliamentarians.

Fijians do not want speeches without results. They want honesty, visibility and service.

And Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko’s stern warning against absenteeism and lateness yesterday was timely and necessary.

Parliament is the highest democratic institution in Fiji. Parliamentarians should represent the people with discipline and commitment.

It is unacceptable for them to arrive late or miss parliamentary sittings. Ordinary Fijians struggle daily under economic pressure, the global fuel crisis and the growing threat of illicit drugs and crime.

True leadership is not measured by campaign slogans, fancy-talks or political show.

Fijians need presence, accountability and consistent service. They place their trust in elected leaders, and they want truth and honesty – not lies.