People First Party seeks funding support for upcoming election

The People First Party (PFP) is working to secure funding to strengthen its preparations for the upcoming General Election, says party leader Inia Seruiratu.

In an interview with this masthead during his recent visit to Vanua Levu, Mr Seruiratu said securing financial support was a priority to ensure the party was adequately prepared for the election campaign.

"At the PFP headquarters in Suva, we are sorting out a few things. We need funding, and this is particularly important. We are hopeful of securing the necessary support," he said.

He said preparing the party's manifesto was also important to ensure voters understood its policies and proposals before the election.

"Manifesto preparations are currently underway, with finalisation expected once the final election dates are announced," he said.

Mr Seruiratu said morale within the party remained high, with confirmed provisional candidates preparing for the election.

"We are undertaking a lot of activities to prepare for the election," he said.

He also expressed hope that the election would be held within the timeframe stipulated under the 2013 Constitution.

More candidates to be announced

Mr Seruiratu said the party was working to finalise another batch of provisional candidates following the announcement of its first line-up during the party's launch on August 1.

"We are still in the process of selecting more candidates, and we are hopeful of doing so soon," he said.

He said the PFP aimed to field a full lineup of 55 candidates to contest all parliamentary seats, with particular emphasis on increasing the participation of women and young people.

"Hopefully, we can get a strong lineup of 55 PFP candidates eager to contest each seat, with special emphasis on greater participation by women and youth," he said.

Confirmed provisional candidates include former FijiFirst members and current Independent Opposition Members of Parliament Parveen Kumar, Rinesh Sharma, Alvick Maharaj, Joseph Nand, Virendra Lal, Hem Chand, Vijay Nath and Semi Koroilavesau.

The lineup also includes other provisional candidates announced during the party's launch on August 1.

Branches planned across Fiji

Mr Seruiratu said the party planned to establish branches across Fiji's four major divisions to strengthen its presence and engagement with communities.

"Setting up our branches will be vital in connecting with communities at grassroots level and providing a platform for discussions and engagement on issues affecting people," he said.

He said the branches would allow the party to better understand the challenges facing communities and identify areas where its proposed policies and reforms could make a difference.

"As the People First Party, we need to connect with our people, hear their sentiments and understand how we can better serve them," he said.

Asked when the branches would be established, Mr Seruiratu said the process was ongoing, with the party hoping to complete the work as soon as possible.

"Following the branch setups, we will be able to identify the voting constituencies within the provinces and divisions, which will link them to our national congress," he said.

Meanwhile, confirmed provisional candidates have already started conducting individual home and community visits as part of the party's election preparations.