FLP receives strong interest from potential election candidates

Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the party has received a positive response from individuals interested in contesting under its banner in the upcoming General Election.

Mr Chaudhry said the party had received 45 applications from people expressing interest in becoming potential candidates.

“That is a lot of interest from people awaiting approval to formally join the party,” he said.

The FLP recently advertised in this masthead an expression of interest (EOI), inviting people with strong character backgrounds and a record of community contribution to apply.

The former prime minister said some interested individuals currently holding positions or employment were waiting for the election dates to be confirmed before formally committing.

“We have received nominations. Some people are waiting for election dates to be announced because they are employed,” he said.

“Some employed individuals who have shown interest in joining the FLP don’t want their names released. They are being cautious for now.

“When the time comes we will release the names, but we are getting good support.”

When asked whether women and youths had applied, Mr Chaudhry confirmed that some applications had been received from both groups.

However, he encouraged more women to join the party to help build a diverse team of candidates ready to contest every seat in Parliament.

Based on recent ground visits, Mr Chaudhry said the party remained optimistic, noting that engaging directly with communities and understanding their struggles in recent years was crucial in shaping the FLP’s role in addressing national issues.

“I believe we are striding well and we will do well in the upcoming election,” he said.

The FLP has maintained a long-standing political presence in the country and won the 1999 general election, when Mr Chaudhry became Fiji’s first Indo-Fijian prime minister.

Marking 40 years since its establishment, Mr Chaudhry said the party was ready to rise again and lead the nation towards greater economic progress.

The party has not secured a seat in Parliament in the last three general elections — 2014, 2018 and 2022 — and aims to change that record with a stronger campaign this time.

Mr Chaudhry also claimed that the Coalition Government had failed to adequately address traffic congestion issues in Labasa Town, which he said required urgent attention.

“There are simple ways of solving this problem, but they are not doing anything about it,” he added.