The National Federation Party (NFP) says it did not select Divina Loloma for her transgender status and does not and never will support same-sex marriage.

In a statement issued yesterday, party president Pio Tikoduadua said the NFP selected Divina because the candidate was “an outstanding Fiji citizen who campaigns for vulnerable people and for economic opportunities for young people”.

“This is what we, too, believe in the NFP,” he said. Mr Tikoduadua claimed “pro-Government media have sensationalised attacks on Divina from extremist candidates from minor parties.”

He claimed the same was done via fake social media accounts.

“It is useless to remind FijiFirst and the pro-government media to stick to the truth and talk about issues like how to reduce the cost of living, fix the state of our hospitals and public health system, ensure consistent supply of water in our taps or ensure the quality of our education system or apply the brakes to our ballooning debt. Fortunately, the people of Fiji will in less than a week, use their most important power to kick out a government that has ruled with fear and elect a People’s Alliance-NFP coalition government that will fully restore their self-dignity and respect.”