Fiji Labour Party sees strong candidate interest

Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the party has received strong interest from people seeking to contest the next General Election under the FLP banner.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun, Mr Chaudhry said he could not disclose how many expressions of interest (EOIs) the party had received.

He also declined to identify any applicants, citing party policy and confidentiality.

"A lot of people with strong backgrounds have shown interest, but we can't reveal their names at present," he said.

Mr Chaudhry said the party was still vetting applications to ensure suitable candidates were selected.

The FLP recently advertised an expression of interest, inviting people with strong character, leadership qualities and a record of community service to apply.

Mr Chaudhry said the party, which marks its 41st anniversary this year, was ready to rebuild and contest the next General Election.

The FLP won the 1987 General Election as part of a coalition with the National Federation Party, with Dr Timoci Bavadra becoming Prime Minister. It later won the 1999 General Election, when Mr Chaudhry became Fiji's first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister.

The party has not won parliamentary seats in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 General Elections and is aiming to return to Parliament at the next poll.

Mr Chaudhry said he had continued meeting sugarcane farmers around the country, advocating for their interests, including calls for a guaranteed cane price of $110 a tonne.

Northern-based FLP official Alan Tuinasoni said the party continued to advocate for a multiracial Fiji where all races and religions enjoyed equal rights.

Mr Tuinasoni claimed grassroots support for the FLP was growing, including among some voters who had previously supported the Coalition Government.

"We need a government that can deliver on its promises and not sit around waiting for grants or donations to start helping people," he said.

Mr Tuinasoni said voters should choose leaders based on their policies rather than their race or ethnicity.