Political parties that are built around individuals do not survive, says National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad.
While opening the NFP Working Committee meeting with branch managers across the country in Ba yesterday, Prof Prasad said their party was built on multi racialism and collaboration between people from different backgrounds.
“The reason this party has existed in this way and remains a very formidable party is because of the commitment, honesty and dedication of people like you and those who came before you,” said Prof Prasad.
“Without your support and time there is no party.
“We have seen parties disintegrate built around individuals or one person. Those parties don’t survive.
“This is a party that has survived because it is a party made of people like yourselves.”
The Finance Minister called on the branch leaders to begin planning for the next general elections.
“I want to invite all of you to begin the work of building this party for the future. Whether it is for future elections or whether it is for the next generation.
“We have to continue to do our work together.”
Prof Prasad also called out political rivals who were trying to cause division among their supporters.
“I want to say to the people of this country and to all NFP members and especially to our Indo Fijian community because there are people still hell bent on dividing our people.
“I want to say that the future of this country, the stability, prosperity of this country is dependent on our ability as leaders to work together and that is what I will do and that is what NFP will do.
“This is the first time in Fiji’s history that when a government has changed from one lot to another has actually survived for more than a year.
“We have delivered significant projects, and we have been in Government for more than two and a half years.”
