Who’s in for the race

Here are the political parties likely to be constesting next year’s first post-coup

general elections in Fiji:

Fiji Labour Party It was founded by the Fiji Trades Union Congress in 1985 as a reaction to a government-imposed wage freeze. Labour is yet unsure whether it will contest next year’s first post-coup general election. It totally rejects the new constitudon promul gated on July 25 last year National Federation Party It began as an association for canefarmers in the late 19505. Like Labour it continues to be part of the Coalition, totally rejects the new consdtudon and b still unsure of its participation in next year’s election.

Vasu i Taukei A general electors’ party based in western Viti Levu to cater only for those of Fijian descent. Now a move is being made to include South Pacific islanders who are Fiji citizens.

The party does not yet have a constitution.

General Voters Party It was launched in Suva on December 5 last year and will win more support than Vasu I Taukei. The party is prepared “to enter into alliances with other political parties or organisations.” It is chasing the five general electors’ seats in parliament.

Fijian Political Party This party belongs to the Great Council of Chiefs and was launched in June last year in Suva. It will win most of the 37 seats allocated to Fijians in the new parliament.

It will launch it constitution in October.

Fiji Indian Liberal Party Launched on March 23 as a “moderate progressive” Indian party. The launching at Rakiraki in western Viti Levu, was low key. The Liberals want long-term leases for cane farmers, 40 per cent of government jobs reserved for Indians and a Fs2 million

scholarship scheme for poor Indian students. It is seeking a link with the Fijian Political Party.

NFP splinter group This is the Muslim faction of the National Federation Party which broke away under the leadership ofSiddiq Koya, a prominent lawyer, chairman of the Sugar Cane Growers’ Council and former Leader of Opposition. This group is silent. But it will pounce if the Coalition decides to boycott the election.

The Western United Front This was the creation of Ratu Osea Gavidi, a chief from the Nadroga Province in western Viti Levu. WUF was the result of a bitter dispute with the Alliance govern ment over the proposed structure of, and participation in, the pine industry. Ratu Osea now has a close bond with the paramount chief of Nadroga and is ex pected to swing behind the All National Congress next year.

Fijian Nationalist Party Its leader, Sakeasi Butadroka is strongly anti-Ratu Sir Kambese Mara and once called for the expulsion of Indians from Fiji.

He has strong support in eastern Viti Levu and has been trying to win support from the Methodist Church.

Fijian Conservative Party A breakaway from the Fijian Nationalist Party. Its leader, Isireli Vuibau, was once Butadroka’s closest lieutenants. Recendy he and Butadroka have been discussing the election.

All National Congress Launched in Nadi last month, this party means serious business and is expected to beat the odds next year. Its president is Utilities and Infracture Minister Apisai Tora. The party will gain strong Fijian support in western Viti Levu. □