The newly launched People First Party has its roots in the collapse of the FijiFirst Party, with leader Inia Seruiratu telling supporters that the new movement was formed to ensure thousands of former FijiFirst supporters were not left without political representation.
Speaking at the party’s official launch in Nadi yesterday, Seruiratu said the deregistration of FijiFirst in July 2023 marked the end of one chapter in Fiji’s political history but created uncertainty for many supporters.
“Who are we? Let us look at the events that brought us here,” he said.
“We, the People First, are the remnants of the FijiFirst Party, which was officially deregistered around July 2023. That is now history.”
Seruiratu said the deregistration meant thousands of hardworking Fijians suddenly found themselves without the political party they had elected to represent them.
“Unfortunately, thousands of hardworking Fijians were disconnected and left without their chosen political representation overnight,” he said.
He said FijiFirst MPs subsequently became independent members of Parliament and were free to make their own political choices.
“As independent members of Parliament, we were free to make our own choices and go our own ways, which we did. But what happened to our voters?” he asked.
Seruiratu acknowledged the period following the party’s collapse was a difficult one but said it had provided valuable lessons that helped shape the formation of People First.
“We went through some challenging times, and the experience has taught us a lot of valuable lessons which can only help us in the future.”
He said party members faced considerable pressure during that period but chose to remain united rather than compromise the trust placed in them by supporters.
“Despite that, and the lure of lucrative office, we stood our ground. We refused to compromise the faith you placed in us.”
Seruiratu said the new party was founded on the principles of equality, integrity, respect and national unity.
“It was against that background that this new movement, People First, was formed,” he said.
