National Federation Party member Lenora Qereqeretabua has called on the party to begin preparing the next generation of leaders, saying leadership succession should be managed through deliberate planning rather than left to circumstance or crisis.
Speaking at the NFP Working Committee meeting in Rakiraki yesterday, Qereqeretabua said leadership change was inevitable and that the party needed to start preparing for the future.
“The leadership change will occur. The question is whether we are preparing for it deliberately, responsibly, and with the long-term interests of the party in mind,” she said.
Qereqeretabua told party members that strong political organisations do not fear leadership succession, but instead view it as an opportunity to strengthen and renew the party.
“Strong political parties do not fear succession, because they understand that leadership renewal is a sign of confidence, not weakness.”
She said successful parties identify capable individuals early, give them responsibility and expose them to decision-making processes so they can develop the skills necessary for future leadership roles.
“They identify capable individuals, give them responsibility, expose them to decision making, and allow them to develop the skills and experience required for leadership.”
Qereqeretabua stressed that institutions become stronger when leadership is continuously refreshed.
“They understand that institutions become stronger when leadership is continuously renewed and refreshed.”
The parliamentarian said the NFP must now begin thinking seriously about its next chapter and create pathways for emerging leaders.
“That is why I believe the National Federation Party must begin thinking seriously about the next chapter in our collective history.”
“We must begin to prepare new leaders to take on greater responsibility within the party. We must create opportunities for new voices to emerge and for new ideas to be heard.”
Qereqeretabua said the party’s future direction should be shaped by careful planning rather than unexpected events.
“We must ensure that the future direction of the party is not determined by circumstance or by crisis, but by thoughtful planning and deliberate preparation.”
She said taking action now would ensure that future NFP leaders are equipped not only to inherit the party but also to strengthen it and broaden its appeal.
“If we embrace the task now, we can ensure that the next generation of National Federation Party leaders is not only ready to inherit the party, but to strengthen it, to expand its reach, and inspire a new generation of Fijians to believe in our mission.”
Qereqeretabua said leadership renewal should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“Renewal should not be viewed as an end to one chapter, but as the beginning of another, an opportunity to build on our already very strong foundation and carry our ideas further than ever before.”
