SODELPA’s role in Fiji’s Coalition Government reads like the story of a small but determined force driving significant change from within.
As the third player in a three-party alliance, SODELPA has leveraged its position to secure policy wins that echo its manifesto, demonstrating that even the smallest “Coalition” partner can leave a lasting imprint.
As the 2026 election looms, Party Leader and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro carries the quiet confidence of a man leading a party that has successfully punched above its weight.
From the sidelines of larger political battles, SODELPA has steadily pushed forward initiatives that resonate deeply with ordinary Fijians, particularly those at the grassroots level.
Among Radrodro’s proudest achievements is the removal of student debt under the ITELTS scheme — a move that wiped out financial burdens for more than 53,700 students, lifting a cumulative $650million off their shoulders.
The introduction of the Hardship Scholarship for private students stands as another testament to SODELPA’s commitment to education equity.
Radrodro doesn’t stop there. By scrapping school zoning and reinstating school chaplains through partnerships with faith-based organisations, SODELPA is charting a course that places community values at the heart of national policy.
“SODELPA is a grassroots-based party and we remain targeted towards simplifying everyday life for our people and empowering them to become self-sustaining and progressive,” Radrodro said.
This unwavering focus on grassroots empowerment is SODELPA’s calling card.
However, the political landscape is shifting.
Radrodro acknowledges this, but insists that maintaining distinct SODELPA policies remains paramount.
“Communication and open dialogue is the key for us as a party to survive our coalition term,” he said, underscoring the delicate balancing act of Coalition politics.
The most compelling thread in Radrodro’s narrative is the shifting power dynamic triggered by the decline of FijiFirst.
Where once the political landscape was dominated by a single player, Radrodro now sees an open field.
“The vacuum left in the electorate means SODELPA and all other parties can work hard to gain support from those voter bases,” he said.
It’s a rare moment of political opportunity, and SODELPA is positioning itself to fill the gaps.
Central to SODELPA’s vision is the advancement of iTaukei communities through increased investment in business and professional development.
Education, Radrodro argues, is the foundation.
“We recognise the need to provide equal education opportunities for our iTaukei students so that they become self-sustaining and empowered to compete,” he explains.
But SODELPA’s platform extends beyond the indigenous agenda. Radrodro is quick to highlight the party’s commitment to all Fijians, from Indo-Fijians to Banabans, Rotumans, and Fijians of Solomon Islands descent.
“All of our people will be looked after,” he affirms, painting SODELPA as a unifying force amid Fiji’s diverse social fabric.
Accountability remains a cornerstone of SODELPA’s strategy heading into 2026.
Radrodro is forthright in his expectations: “Each member of our party that gets to be given a role in the coalition government must deliver. Otherwise, the party will not hesitate to make changes.”
It’s a message that signals action and results, a necessary pivot as the party eyes expansion beyond its traditional voter base.
Radrodro’s strategy rests on the belief that Fiji’s next election will hinge less on party loyalty and more on the strength of individual candidates.
“I believe the 2026 elections will be different. It will no longer be party-based but the focus will be on individual candidate capability,” he predicts.
In this evolving political climate, SODELPA’s blueprint for grassroots empowerment and economic self-sufficiency positions it as a formidable contender.
By carving out its own path while navigating the complexities of coalition governance, SODELPA is not just shaping policy but also the future of Fiji’s political landscape.
