Gonewai shares SODELPA vision for Fijians
Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) provisional candidate Josaia Gonewai believes SODELPA is the only political party that practises democracy in all aspects of its activities.
This includes in meetings, discussions and at in-house events.
Mr Gonewai claimed he wanted to “restore democracy where Fijians can equally participate in its progress”.
He shared his insights.
Why politics?
Politics is the craft of community collective decision-making and the distribution of power in a society.
Permeating throughout all aspects of our life, no Fijian is exempted from political processes, even if they claim that they are apolitical.
A democratic political system is crucial for social, economic, and political progress and development of our nation.
From paying VAT during grocery shopping, using a bus card in our bus ride, and driving a car to work is a political decision everyone must make due to a political decision made for its implementation and compliance.
I have seen the cost of coups and how we are disconnected from what democracy looks like.
So, I firmly believe that a few of us still believe in democracy as the only political tool left to prosper our nation into a developed state.
It allows free flow of information, discussion and debate of how best we can resolve our issues in a civilised manner.
Why SODELPA?
SODELPA affirms the recognition of the word of God in our national governance and the role of divine spiritual power of God in the affairs of our nation.
SODELPA believes in the fair distribution of the fruits of economic development with special recognition of the plight of the poor and disadvantaged.
SODELPA always believes, pursues dialogue, restraint, and negotiation to achieve peaceful solutions to
Fiji’s challenges.
SODELPA will strengthen the democratic governing position of our nation by participating in the national elections and local government elections for leadership.
The three issues to highlight and why? Youth
They consist of 70 per cent of our voters and are the future of our national wellbeing.
It is important that 50 per cent of our policies should target their social and economic development which should include economic participation.
Fiji has seen the wonderful gifts of our people in Sports and SODELPA has included a $10m “Waqe Scheme” for Community Sports Development for Infrastructure around the populated centres of Fiji.
Agriculture
I want to see an increase in the percentage share of Agriculture in our GDP by 30-40 per cent.
This would encourage indigenous landowners to engage in partnership with investors and our local business in ratio profit sharing agreement.
Law Enforcement Agencies
I want to equip our law enforcement agencies to be on par with the best in the Asia-Pacific region and the doorkeeper of our nation’s wellbeing. We need to provide adequate resources to our Border Enforcement Agencies and Police in monitoring activities that are harming our future generation.
Edited
Bryce