THE rise in fuel prices and the increasing cost of goods could have an impact on voter sentiment in the upcoming general elections, says People’s Alliance president Ratu Josefa Dimuri.
While the cost-of-living pressures were affecting households across Fiji, Ratu Josefa said the factors driving the increases were largely beyond the Government’s control.
“Global geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in regions such as the Gulf and Iran, have contributed to rising fuel prices worldwide,” he said.
His comment follows a sharp fuel price increase for Fijians, with petrol and diesel skyrocketing by 80 cents per litre, a 33 per cent surge for petrol. “We are all at the mercy of these big players that are involved in conflicts in places such as the Gulf and Iran.” Asked whether he worried they would lose votes on polling day, he said public perception would depend on how well people understood the causes of the crisis. If voters recognised that the issue is beyond the Government’s control, it is less likely to affect electoral outcomes significantly. It is affecting everybody around the world, not only us.”
However, he said cost-of-living pressures would remain a key issue as Fiji moves closer to the next election cycle and campaigning intensifies nationwide.
“The Government is managing competing priorities, including economic pressures and ongoing development work.”
He said the Government must continue to clearly communicate what was within its control and what was driven by global factors.
