New Methodist Church General Superintendent Atunaisa Vulaono is urging Fijians to look beyond political promises and examine candidates’ personal conduct, saying those who fail to look after their own families should not be entrusted with leading the country.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Vulaono outlined what he believed should be the standards expected of people seeking public office.
“Don’t vote any person that does not look after his marriage or his family to lead the people of Fiji,” he said.
Mr Vulaono said voters should also reject candidates who struggle with drinking and those who are dishonest, untruthful or unwilling to be transparent.
“Those who steal from the people and lie.”
He argued that leadership required more than the ability to win votes, saying people entrusted with leading the country should demonstrate good character and responsible behaviour in their own lives.
“We need spirituality to be injected into our leaders.”
Mr Vulaono explained that he had been campaigning on the issue weekly and urged people to pay attention to his message about the kind of individuals they choose to represent them in Parliament.
He stressed that the country needed leaders who could set an example for the public, particularly young people who looked to those in authority for guidance.
