The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has strongly rejected narratives questioning the place of Indo-Fijians or any other ethnic community in Fiji, saying all citizens have an equal right to call the country home.
In a statement, the party condemned the circulation of social media content and public commentary that sought to challenge the belonging of certain communities in Fiji.
SODELPA said such narratives were inappropriate and contrary to the principles of respect, equality and national unity on which modern Fiji is built.
The party acknowledged the significant contributions of Indo-Fijians to Fiji’s development over more than a century, particularly in agriculture, business, education, healthcare, public administration and the national economy.
It said these contributions, alongside those of iTaukei, Rotuman, Banaban, Chinese and other communities, had helped shape the nation.
SODELPA maintained that every citizen born in Fiji or legally recognised as a Fijian should never be made to feel like an outsider because of ethnicity, religion, language or cultural background.
Party leader Aseri Radrodro said Fiji’s future depended on people working together despite their differences.
“Fiji’s future depends on our ability to work together as one people. We may come from different backgrounds, but we share the same hopes for our families, our children, and our nation,” Radrodro said.
“We reject any attempt to divide our people along ethnic lines and instead call on all Fijians to focus on unity, respect, and nation-building.”
The party said as Fiji faces future political and economic challenges, national attention should remain focused on issues affecting ordinary citizens, including employment opportunities for young people, the rising cost of living, healthcare, education and support for farmers and rural communities.
SODELPA also called for expanded economic opportunities and greater social harmony to promote national development.
The party urged all Fijians, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation, to reject hate speech and divisive narratives and instead champion dignity, tolerance and shared belonging.
It said Fiji had made significant progress in fostering understanding among its diverse communities and warned against reopening divisions from the past.
SODELPA reaffirmed its commitment to building a Fiji where every citizen is respected, every community is valued and every family has the opportunity to prosper.
