Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has revealed his involvement in efforts to register a new political party, tentatively called PeopleFirst.
In a social media post he said the new party aims to retain many of the positive aspects of the former ruling FijiFirst party while correcting what he described as its “shortcomings.”
“That is one of the reasons I am part of a group of people trying to register the PeopleFirst political party that will have no association with Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum,” Mr Usamate said.
“We want to establish a truly democratic party that puts people first — all people first.”
He emphasised that the new party will uphold the principles of equality enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, with a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all communities, particularly the iTaukei.
“We take special cognisance of iTaukei and all our ethnic groups and their concerns, that sees all of us as citizens of this country that truly deserve to be treated equally,” he said.
Mr Usamate reaffirmed his belief in democracy, self-governance, and the rule of law.
“I do not believe in any one group of persons having the right to rule the rest of us through some so-called divine right to do so. I respect my chiefs and give them their due in my life as an iTaukei and as a citizen of Fiji.”
