THE demise of FijiFirst marks the end of an era and serves as a lesson that coup ambitions are short-lived and disruptive, says academic Professor Steven Ratuva.
He told this newspaper that since FijiFirst members were not able to amend the party constitution, they were headed for deregistration, which would officially end FijiFirst’s decade-long existence after being formed on March 31, 2014.
“This is not just the end of FijiFirst as a political party, it also marks an end to an era of Fiji politics which started during the 2006 coup,” he said.
“It’s a lesson to us all that coup ambitions, whatever the justifications, are short-lived and disruptive and should be discarded into the ash heap of history, never to see the light of day again.”
This turn of events would also undeniably change the landscape of Fiji’s political scene.
Prof Ratuva said since FijiFirst had the largest number of votes, these would naturally be scattered and go to other parties in the next election.
“This will make the next election even more interesting and less predictable, and this will give smaller parties outside Parliament, such as Unity and Fiji Labour Party, a chance to pick up votes and get over the 5 per cent threshold.”
