Proposed People's Star Network begins Northern registration drive

The proposed People's Star Network party is collecting signatures in Labasa as it works towards registration with the Fijian Elections Office.

Acting general secretary Eliki Raloka Dakuitoga said volunteers had been gathering signatures across the three provinces in the Northern Division since yesterday.

Mr Dakuitoga said the response, particularly from young people, had been encouraging.

"They have told our volunteers that they have not had political representatives visit them personally to ask what they want to see in the next general election," he said.

He said the party was founded with the support of chiefs from Viti Levu and Vanua Levu who wanted to protect land, qoliqoli (traditional fishing grounds) and mineral resources.

"Our motto is to encourage people to work together to build Fiji," he said.

Mr Dakuitoga said the party was aware political activity ahead of the next general election had intensified but was not concerned about the agendas of other political parties.

"Government comes and goes, but the vanua remains. That is why we have stepped forward to stand for our people and our beliefs," he said.

"The evolving democracy allows people to choose the party they want to represent in Government, and that is the greatest freedom we can exercise — the right to vote."

He said the party would not attack or discriminate against other political parties.

"When we go to villages and communities, we tell people not to sign if they expect us to give them a tractor, fix their roads or award contracts," he said.

"Only sign if you believe that, together as a people, we can build Fiji."

Mr Dakuitoga said the party was not making promises in exchange for signatures and was not seeking political favours.