Vote on policy, not race: FLP member to iTaukei voters

Aisake Galodamu has urged educated iTaukei voters to lead by example by analysing party policies objectively and selecting leaders without bias towards race or religion.

Mr Galodamu, a former Fiji Corrections Service staff member, is a committee member of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP).

Residing in the Udu district in Macuata, he believes rural iTaukei communities need to be engaged and educated on how to assess party policies, with a focus on informed decision-making rather than voting for a candidate of the same racial or religious background.

He said he aligned himself with the FLP after carefully considering the party’s goals and ambitions, which he believes focus on empowering the middle class and ordinary Fijians towards national development.

He claimed an old narrative — that Indo-Fijians would strip the iTaukei of their resources and authority — had contributed to division among communities.

During the FLP Labasa/Northern branch meeting on Saturday, Mr Galodamu was invited to share his life story and explain why he chose the party.

“I support Mr Chaudhry to become the Prime Minister of our nation after the coming election,” he said.

Galodamu questioned Fiji’s image as a multiracial country, saying such diversity should be reflected in the composition of Government and its leadership.

“I continue to influence my district and my iTaukei community to think outside the box and choose a leader who shows an effective mindset of growing people economically,” he said.

Sau Ni Vanua of Qoibau in Macuata, Ratu Manoa Tuiwainikai, said he supported a multiracial Fiji where leaders were chosen based on service delivery and performance.

Ratu Manoa said those who aspired to become prime minister should make concrete decisions and not merely promises, but take action to improve people’s lives.

Mr Galodamu said he remained optimistic about the FLP’s chances in the upcoming election and hoped to serve in a ministerial portfolio if given the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Alan Tuinasoni, vice-president of the FLP Labasa/North branch, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and said the iTaukei community needed to move beyond the belief that only an iTaukei should serve as prime minister.