Three of Fiji’s six opposition political parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, laying down the ground work for a united opposition front ahead of Fiji’s 2022 General Elections.
The leaders of Fiji Labour Party, Freedom Alliance and Unity Fiji, Mahendra Chaudhry, Jagath Karunaratne and Savenaca Narube signed the agreement yesterday, effectively establishing a coordination centre that will spearhead efforts to pave the way for other opposition parties to join.
One of the immediate tasks of the centre is to formulate a framework, agreeable to all parties, that will form the basis of the united front.
In a statement, the three leaders stated that the decision is in response to calls “from the people for a united front to fight the next election…for a change of government.”
FAP leader Karunaratne said discussions about forming a united front have been in the works since the 2014 elections, and the three parties have taken the initiative to take the first steps by working together with the expectation that other opposition parties will join.
“Our call for unity is about our willingness to reach agreement by consensus for the greater good of the people and the nation,” the statement said. “It is their call and the understanding of the party leaders that has laid the foundation for unity, with an invitation to the leaders of the other opposition parties to come together as one. The benefits of a united front are overwhelming and a sure recipe for victory.
“It is an accepted norm that political parties may represent different ideologies and philosophies. But they all must be centered on improving the living standards of our people. Therefore, we truly believe that the opposition parties can and must work together in this hour of need.”
Photo: Unity Fiji
