‘Bread and butter issues’ to decide outcome

NATIONAL Federation Party president Pio Tikoduadua believes bread and butter issues, disruptions to people’s daily lives with power outages and intermittent water supply, the country’s failing health system and affordable housing will decide the outcome of the 2022 General Election.

He said during the party’s meetings over the past few weeks, people have been talking about the desire for change.

“I’ve been to Fijian villages in Tailevu North and in Ra and in Rewa and we hear the perspective of the iTaukei who air their grievances and their fears,” he said.

“Then I come out to the SuvaNausori corridor where there is a mixture of all of our people who have different things that they desire.

“One of the things really, that people desire is to come away from the spirit of having to fear the government.

“They want to stand freely and talk about the issues that matter to them.”

Mr Tikoduadua gave an example of the realities faced by many Fijians.

“I never used to get water cuts in my house, never.

“I mean, I sit in a place in Davuilevu where I live down in the gully, so when everyone else runs out of water, I would still have water.

“But it’s now a natural occurrence. Every day water goes out at nine and comes back at 4.30 in the morning. Someone is switching the valves on and off.

“Power, cost of living, the desire for home. People want to graduate out of poverty, fearing for the future of their children in this country.

“People desire this change for many reasons. But I tell you one thing.

“This is the whole thing about accountability and the transparent leadership for Fiji is what people want and desire.”