The National Federation Party (NFP) must begin thinking seriously about the next chapter in its collective history by preparing new leaders to take on greater responsibility, says party member Lenora Qereqeretabua.
Ms Qereqeretabua made the comment during the party’s working committee meeting in Rakiraki on June 6.
She said the current leadership inherited an organisation that many had written off, but through determination, discipline, and hard work, successfully returned it to Parliament and re-established it as a national voice.
“Respect for past achievements should never prevent us from preparing for the future,” she said.
“Every successful political movement eventually reaches a point where renewal becomes necessary. Every organisation must ask itself whether it is developing the people who will lead it in the years ahead.”
Ms Qereqeretabua said the central question facing NFP is not whether a leadership change will occur, but whether the party is preparing for it deliberately, responsibly, and with long-term interests in mind.
“Strong political parties do not fear succession because they understand that leadership renewal is a sign of confidence, not weakness.
“They identify capable individuals, give them responsibility, expose them to decision-making, and allow them to develop the skills and experience required for leadership. They understand that institutions become stronger when leadership is continuously renewed and refreshed.”
Ms Qereqeretabua urged the party to create opportunities for new voices and new ideas to be heard, ensuring the future direction of the NFP is determined by thoughtful planning rather than circumstance or crisis.
“This is not about replacing one individual with another, it is about ensuring that the National Federation Party remains strong, relevant, and competitive for decades to come.”
Ms Qereqeretabua said the future challenges facing Fiji may require different experiences, approaches, and perspectives, meaning the party must remain capable of adapting while staying firmly anchored to the principles that have guided it since its founding in the 1960s.
“The responsibility of leadership is not simply to lead today; it is to prepare others to lead tomorrow. The true measure of any leader is whether the organisation remains strong after they have left office.”
Ms Qereqeretabua said those holding positions within the party are custodians of the party, not its owners, and hold an obligation to leave it stronger than they found it.
“The National Federation Party has a very proud history, but history alone will not secure our future.
“Our future will be secured by our willingness to prepare for change, to embrace renewal, and to place our confidence in new leadership capable of carrying our values and principles into a new era of future politics.”
