Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the nation is “standing at the crossroads,” warning that growing political uncertainty, economic pressures and governance failures are eroding public confidence in the Coalition Government.
In a strongly worded New Years message, Chaudhry said Fiji faces “severe challenges for which the Coalition seems to have no answers,” adding that citizens are being offered only “hollow and sanctimonious rhetoric. Little substance.”
He criticised stalled municipal and Growers Council elections, delays to electoral reforms and what he described as continued ambiguity over constitutional amendments.
“Three years down the line… there is no hope of municipal council elections being held,” he said.
“The Coalition has still not made public the amendments it intends to the 2013 Constitution,” warning that silence is leaving minority communities “jittery and apprehensive.”
Chaudhry also accused the government of failing to safeguard democratic freedoms, pointing to media funding, the Online Safety laws and the Referendum Bill.
“It promised restoration of full democratic rights and freedoms — it promised much, it delivered little,” he said.
On the economy, he claimed Fiji is “heavily reliant on budget support” from development partners while domestic industries lag.
He warned of worsening services, citing hospitals, roads, and frequent water disruptions.
“Corruption is rife but there is no Code of Conduct… or Accountability and Transparency Commission,” he added.
Chaudhry said the sugar industry, drug crisis and rural decline highlight deeper structural problems.
“The impression one gets is of a government bungling its way through,” he said.
“Fiji cannot go on like this. There is a need for bold, decisive leadership.”
