Based on poll provisional results: Who’s who in next parliamentary seating

With the current tracking of the 2018 General Election results, it is likely FijiFirst will form Government, with at least 27 seats.

This is based on provisional results released by the Fijian Elections Office.

As the results are being tabulated, changes should be expected, but only by a small or slim margin.

The 50,000 vote difference between FijiFirst and SODELPA during the provisional result announcement is a major hurdle for the main Opposition Party.

FijiFirst will no doubt learn lessons from here and start the new year with some clear goals. One of the things the party would need to focus on is who takes up which ministry. It will be important for FijiFirst to have right people heading the right ministry, but at the same time, there will be a need to have strong members in

various Parliamentary committees.

The manner in which former Consumer Council chief executive officer Premila Kumar handled herself on a live talkback show against seasoned politicians- Lynda Tabuya and National Federation Party vice-president Seni Nabou said a lot about her and her ability to hit facts on the head. For Ms Kumar this was the first elections she contested. She was up against two women who had stood for elections previously. Despite this, Ms Kumar’s ability to stick to facts came through. She may go on to play a greater role within the party.

Inia Seruiratu, who has been the Government leader in Parliament, could also make a comeback with a Ministerial position and so will Jone Usamate who had previously held Industrial Relations, Productivity and Employment. He also came across very well and very well informed about his Ministry during another talkback show and this in-depth knowledge should be put to good use.

The big question would be where new comer Alipate Nagata fit in. He is convinced his votes were from his hard work but there is always the question of how many of his votes were meant for the Party leader.

Former Government whip Ashneel Sudhakar, who also chaired the Public Accounts Committee, also fared well.

He could also play a bigger role.