2018 General Elections: No time for fear, says President Konrote

FIJIAN President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote says the general election represents a crossroad and the path chosen will define the future for our children, their children and their children after them because it shapes more than the next four years.

Mr Konrote made the comment as he officiated at the Fiji Day celebration in Labasa today, noting the importance of people’s participating in this democratic process.

“Elections can shape the direction of the country for decades to come, by either laying a foundation for our long-term success or by bringing consequences that ripple for generations of history,” Mr Konrote said.

“So the importance of our elections cannot be overstated and as was the case in 2014, our election will be held in a transparent manner and to the highest international standards,” the President said.

“It is not a time for fear, and none of us can tolerate any efforts to sow hatred or division among our people.

“It is a time for truth, not for lies that damage our economy and degrade our unity; the very fabric of our national life. Because regardless of whatever political differences exist among us, the bonds of nationhood and common citizenry must always triumph.

“That must also hold true on social media. We cannot allow social media platforms to be used as a weapon to spread lies and misinformation, we must think carefully about what we are seeing and reading, and call out lies when we see them, for the benefit of our democracy and our fellow Fijians.”

The 2018 general elections will be held on November 14.