The National Federation Party (NFP) has re-elected its office bearers unopposed at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today at the Nadroga Sangam School in Malaqereqere, Sigatoka.
Parmod Chand returns as President, along with Vice Presidents Devendra Naidu, Kamala Lajendra, Ratu Esava Nabuta, Peter Saunivalu, Waisale Kanavu, and Vijay Rajnesh Prasad. Chandu Lodhia will continue as Treasurer, with Kamal Iyer as General Secretary and Bimal Prasad as Assistant General Secretary.
Speaking to a large gathering, Chand offered his gratitude for the continued support, noting that the party’s endurance over the past 61 years is a testament to its principles and dedication to national interest.
“The fact that the NFP is 61 years old speaks volumes about the party’s values. We have never abandoned our principles for political expediency. Our achievements are monumental and will continue for decades.”
Chand also reflected on the historical significance of the venue, as the party had not convened in Sigatoka for 25 years.
“We are meeting here in Sigatoka after 25 years. The last time we met here was at the nearby Cuvu College hall in 1999, right after a major political defeat. Yet, the NFP rose from the ashes, as it always has,” he said.
NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad also addressed the convention, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Coalition Government but expressing confidence in the unity and purpose of the partnership.
“Working in coalition is challenging. There are some issues on which our three parties disagree, sometimes publicly. But even when there is public disagreement, we each respect that,” Prasad said.
He praised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his leadership, highlighting the cooperation within the government.
“The Prime Minister has always treated me with courtesy, friendship, and fairness. This is leadership that bodes well for the future of both our government and our country,” Prasad said.
Prasad also spoke about the legacy of the previous government, describing a political landscape marked by fear and suppression. “Before we talk about the present and the future, let us make sure we never forget the past. Let us make sure that we never go back to the days of dictatorship and fear,” he said.
The AGM was seen as a show of solidarity within the NFP, with both Chand and Prasad reinforcing the importance of the Coalition Government and their shared commitment to Fiji’s future.
Chand reiterated that the NFP remains committed to the national interest, stating, “We fully back Honourable Rabuka as Prime Minister. We are part of a coalition government and will remain so after the next elections.”
The convention concluded with a forum chaired by parliamentary representatives, including Minister for Labour Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua, Lenora Qereqeretabua, and Sashi Kiran, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, respectively, during which they took questions from those gathered.
