Fiji’s PDP announces four female candidates to run in the upcoming elections
10th July, 2014
(Photo Credit: Fiji Sun)
The People’s Democratic Party has put forward 13 provisional candidates for the September general election.
Making the announcement in Lautoka yesterday, leader Felix Anthony said the party would reveal more provisional candidates in the coming weeks.
Successful nominees include PDP president Lynda Tabuya, former politician Vijay Singh, youth and human rights advocate Jone Baravilala Rasi, PDP vice-president Sat Narayan, former civil servant Peni Turaga, former member of parliament Dr Emasi Qovu, PDP former politician Adi Sivia Qoro, former trade unionist Eroni Ratuwalesi, Ba advisory counsellor Salochna Sharma, youth advocate Josiah T J Loloma, former Fiji trade representative to Taiwan Adi Varanisese Tavaiqia, social worker Ratu Iliesa Raseru and Mr Anthony.
He said the party went through a rigorous selection process to find suitable candidates.
“We are not relying solely on applications but we have been moving around the country consulting people ensuring that the people we nominate as candidates are able to serve and have been serving the people in their various communities,” he said.
“We are not going to be looking at people who simply have the urge to serve the people come election only.”
The former trade unionist said the party also ensured their representatives lived up to people’s expectations.
“We are driven to do this simply because one of the complaints we’ve received from people while moving around the country is that voters have elected people in the past and they have never gone back to them, to serve them or consult them on certain issues.
“The PDP will be a different party altogether and we will ensure that our candidates will be there for the people all the time.”
The party is expected to reveal more provisional candidates next week.
“We were hoping to announce 20 but unfortunately we are still awaiting the police clearance for some of the names that we intended to announce so we will hold their names back until such time that we are satisfied all is good to make that announcement.”
Source: Fiji Times ONLINE