UNITY Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube believes growing voter dissatisfaction with the Coalition Government has created a significant opportunity for his party ahead of the next general election.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Mr Narube said the political landscape had changed considerably since the 2022 election, when voters removed the FijiFirst government from power in the hope of a fresh start.
“The political situation has drifted very, very significantly since the 2022 election,” he said.
Mr Narube said many Fijians had expected the current administration to address issues inherited from the previous government but had been left disappointed by what they viewed as a lack of progress.
“You have seen that the government of FijiFirst was defeated, so we had high hopes of this government to restore a lot of things, to correct the mistakes of the FijiFirst government,” he said.
“Everybody was quite hopeful that things will turn for the better, but as the years roll by, now they’re close to the next election, we have seen very little done.”
According to Mr Narube, the Coalition Government has struggled to maintain public confidence because key promises remain unfulfilled.
“They don’t trust them because what they had promised to deliver, that has not happened.”
He said many voters were now searching for an alternative.
“There is disillusion with this government.
“What is happening, they are looking elsewhere — where else can we find someone that we can trust?”
Mr Narube said Unity Fiji was well positioned to benefit from that sentiment.
“We are receiving a lot of support based on the disillusion of voters because of the lack of performance of this government.
“That to me is a critical difference between this election and the last two elections.”
Unity targets corruption
TACKLING corruption would be a top priority for Unity Fiji, says party leader Savenaca Narube warning that the issue is undermining public confidence in government and damaging the country’s future.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Mr Narube said corruption had become a growing concern among Fijians and required urgent action.
“We need to stop corruption,” he said.
“Corruption is eating away at our community, at our government.”
He claimed public concern about corruption had increased significantly in recent months.
“It’s raising its ugly head now, and people are talking more about it than they were about a year ago.”
The former Reserve Bank governor pointed to a number of ongoing cases involving former government officials and ministers as evidence that stronger action was needed.
“We have a lot of cases around here, including some cases of previous government officials, ministers that are just rooting that.”
Mr Narube said authorities must send a clear message that corruption would not be tolerated, suggesting that Fiji should be prepared to invest additional resources in strengthening investigations and
accountability mechanisms if necessary.
“If we want to spend more money just getting a team of experts from overseas, why not.”
Mr Narube also pledged that a Unity Fiji government would thoroughly investigate allegations of corruption.
“When we get into government, we’re going to do a lot of cleaning up of this potential or allegations of corruptions that are out there.”
Party leader: Vote for credible leaders
POOR leadership decisions come at a heavy cost for families and future generations, says Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube, urging Fijians to vote based on trust and leadership credentials.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Mr Narube said leadership was the most important factor in determining a country’s success or failure.
“Leadership counts in any situation, particularly in Government,” he said.
“You get the wrong leader, you get everything wrong, and that’s exactly what is happening.”
Mr Narube said voters should closely examine the track record and qualifications of those seeking public office.
“For us, in Unity Fiji, we say look at the credentials of a leader because that will tell you that is a person that you will have more trust in.
“I offer my credentials to the people, and that credential I believe nobody can beat it, it’s unbeatable.”
The former Reserve Bank governor said elections should be decided on trust rather than short-term incentives.
“We ask people, if you do not trust anybody or any party, don’t vote for them.
“Don’t go around the corner because they give you some lollies to chew, and it’s lolly time now.”
Mr Narube also took aim at Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, saying many voters had expected more from his leadership.
“People believed that Rabuka could do a lot of things. He obviously has signalled that he can’t, so that has changed.”
Asked whether a re-election of Mr Rabuka would reflect the choice of voters, Mr Narube said it would, but cautioned that leadership choices carried consequences.
“Because of the wrong choice of leadership of a country, you and your family, and I and my family will pay.
“And we are paying a huge price. Why do you want to pay a huge price for that.
“Don’t vote for people whom you know that they cannot deliver the issues that are important to you and your family.”
