'Not power, not privilege; the people': Seruiratu launches People First Party
Mr Seruiratu said the party's constitution would promote accountability, integrity, respect for the rule of law and regular performance reviews.
Sunday 02 August 2026 | 16:30
People First Party leader Inia Seruiratu (middle) with the supporters during the launch of the party at Korovuto College in Nadi on August 1.
Photo: People First.
Declaring that "the people come first, not power or privilege", the newly formed People First Party has officially entered the 2026 General Election race.
The party unveiled its leadership team, first 15 provisional candidates and a platform focused on governance reform, economic recovery and national unity at its launch in Nadi on Saturday.
Launching the party at Korovuto College in Nadi on Saturday, party leader Inia Seruiratu said People First was formed after the deregistration of FijiFirst in 2023, leaving many supporters without political representation.
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"We chose to stand firm for Fijians who believe in equality, integrity, respect and national unity. Against this background, a new movement was formed: People First," Mr Seruiratu said.
He said the party would develop its manifesto through nationwide consultations and be guided by five core values: respect, service above self, unwavering integrity, national unity and sustainable progress.
"Today is not just the launch of a political party. Today is the moment we put on paper and now put into action a promise that in this country, the people come first. Not power, not privilege, not the interests of a few; the people."
Mr Seruiratu said the party's constitution would promote accountability, integrity, respect for the rule of law and regular performance reviews.
On the economy, he warned that Fiji faced mounting fiscal pressures, saying public debt was approaching $12 billion, with the debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio nearing 85 per cent.
"Our national finances are under real and growing strain; public debt is approaching 12 billion dollars, nearly three times what it was a decade ago, with the debt-to-GDP ratio climbing toward 85 per cent."
"Debt servicing has become one of the largest single items in our national budget, competing directly with health, education, and everyday services," he said.
He said People First would focus on fiscal discipline, sustainable growth, stronger support for local industries and small businesses, targeted cost-of-living relief, and greater investment in regional and rural development.
The party also announced its Board of Governors, comprising Members of Parliament Rinesh Sharma, Jone Usamate, Parveen Bala, Semi Koroilavesau, Vijay Nath, Virendra Lal, Hem Chand, Alvick Maharaj and Joseph Nand.
It also unveiled its first 15 provisional candidates: Drug-Free Fiji founder Kalesi Toga, Sitiveni Weleilakeba, Ashley Amrita Singh, Arisi Tabuasei, Luisa Vusonimasei, Mohammed Saiyaz Khan, Apakuki Nalaukai, Sushila Rameshwar, Ravina Lata, Jasmine Lal, former Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Ashneel Sudhakar, Ali Sheikh, Adi Laisa Tora, Ritambhara and Hazrat Ali.
