PROMINENT Nadi lawyer and former National Federation Party stalwart Dorsami Naidu is forming a new political party for the 2026 General Elections.
He said the decision to form a new party was spurred on by Government’s ineffectiveness and the state of the country’s political leadership.
“Being a former staunch National Federation Party supporter, I have been approached by many people to form a new political party and prepare for the 2026 polls,” said Mr Naidu.
“We already have people from a broad spectrum, especially youths, wanting to be part of this movement for real change
“As such, I have been persuaded to form a new political party to contest the next elections and take the country forward with the support of a young generation of politicians blended with experience and belief in self sacrifice for the common good of present and future generations.”
He said the groundwork had begun for the registration of the new proposed political party and further details would be made public in due course as the next elections drew near.
While acknowledging the work the Coalition Government has achieved so far, Mr Naidu said more could be done for the country.
“Though the election of the People’s Coalition Government has seen the restoration of people’s freedoms and rights, effect has not been given to policies to create confidence, give hope, bring unity, tolerance and trust for us to function as one people and one nation,” said Mr Naidu.
“Unfortunately, these rights and freedoms cannot exist in a vacuum.
“There is a total loss of confidence in people as the health, education, police and economic systems are in tatters whilst our judiciary appears to be losing public confidence.”
He said there was a crisis of leadership where instead of making the country and people first priority, political leaders were acting as though they were part of a Shakespearean theatre group.
“I say this because this nation and its people are crying out for leadership and looking for a Utopian-like future for themselves and future generations. But it appears that this is not possible with the existing political parties that we have in government.”
Mr Naidu said the minimum wage rates was no longer feasible.
“The hourly wage rate, even though increased to $4.50 in 2024 with a further raise to $5 in April this year is not enough to sustain ordinary workers considering the price of food items.
“Making 21 basic food items VAT free is not the solution to uplift the standard of living of ordinary workers. It was there before the current Government came into power two years ago.”
He added it appeared that a lot of the 21 items benefit the restaurants, hoteliers and other food outlets but their prices on the finished products continued to rise.
When approached for a comment on Mr Naidu’s statements, Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad chose not to do so.
