Koya, Draunidalo front proposed FijiansFirst party bid

A proposed political party led by former FijiFirst minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya and lawyer Roko Tupou Draunidalo has outlined its leadership and vision, with registration details published in the dailies today.

The proposed FijiansFirst party names Mr Koya as a founding member, alongside Ravindran Kumaran, who is listed as founding member and general secretary.

Ms Draunidalo is named party president, while former Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Adi Selai Adimaitoga is a founding member and vice-president. Businesswoman Riddhi Damodar is second vice-president, and independent Opposition MP Sanjay Kirpal is treasurer.

The line-up brings together a mix of experienced political figures and professionals.

Mr Koya previously served as a Cabinet minister, holding portfolios including commerce, trade, tourism and transport, and was a senior figure in the FijiFirst Government.

Ms Draunidalo, a lawyer, is a former Member of Parliament and previously led the National Federation Party before her removal from Parliament in 2018.

Documents attached to the application outline the party’s core values, centred on governance, unity and merit-based systems.

Under its constitution, the party states its mission is “to build a fair and just society where the benefits of progress are spread widely to all,” while aiming to “successfully govern and transform Fiji into a modern miracle.”

It emphasises integrity, stating it must remain “clean, incorruptible, above board and transparent,” while also promoting diversity as “a Fiji that belongs equally to all citizens where every individual is assured of justice and fairness.”

The party also promotes meritocracy, describing it as a system where citizens are given equal opportunities and recognised “on the basis of merit,” alongside a focus on self-reliance.

Membership is open to any Fijian of voting age who meets legal requirements, is not disqualified from Parliament, agrees to comply with the party’s constitution and is not a member of another political party.

Applicants must submit requests in writing, with final approval resting with the party’s Central Executive Committee, which can reject applications without providing reasons.

The publication of the application marks a key step in the registration process, which will now be subject to verification and approval under Fiji’s electoral laws.

If approved, FijiansFirst would enter an increasingly competitive political landscape ahead of the next general election.