IN a political landscape dominated by well-known parties with old faces and entrenched ideas, new politicians often struggle to gain traction.
And while Fiji’s older politicians have spent the last four years dominating Parliament, a group of young people has been out in the community and all over social media with a message of change.
Led by influencer Apisai Moce – known as Bis Moce to his followers – the Next Generation Party is positioning itself as a grassroots alternative to what it calls “baggage-laden” politics.
The Next Generation Alliance Party, formed by a group of professionals, community leaders, and ordinary citizens, aims to restore hope and rebuild trust in leadership.
Fiji goes to the polls no later than February 2027 and voters have signaled in the mainstream and social media that they want to be represented by people who will address grassroot issues.
Moce said a driving factor behind the party’s formation was mounting public concern over the rising cost of living, youth migration overseas, worsening drug-related issues, and a sense that many families were being left behind.
“We didn’t have financial support from wealthy individuals or businesses,” Moce said.
“We funded things from our own pockets, with help from ordinary citizens, supporters, and our families.”
Five Priority Areas
The party’s manifesto outlines five national priorities. The first is to restore clean leadership through anti-corruption reforms, digital procurement systems, and stronger institutional oversight.
Protecting the family and young people is high on the list of priorities by addressing drug prevention, domestic violence, education reform, skills training, and youth employment pathways.
Third is lowering the cost of living and creating sustainable jobs by focusing on agriculture, food processing, organic farming, and the tech industry. Addressing the deteriorating state of the health care system will be a major focus through hospital upgrades, improved rural and maritime services, and better staff retention.
Fifth is infrastructure and national development, including roads, water systems, electrification, broadband access, and more equitable resource distribution across all provinces.
Youth-Driven Policy
The party said its policies had been shaped directly by conversations with young Fijians, who expressed frustration with corruption, political division, and short-term thinking.
Young people want better-paid jobs, more affordable living, improved access to housing, stronger education pathways, and opportunities to build businesses without leaving the country.
There is also strong interest in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and agri-tech.
The party has in response to this, included digital literacy, coding and robotics programs, youth innovation hubs, apprenticeships, and startup development in its platform.
Early Feedback
The party is encouraged by early feedback, particularly from young people, working families, and members of the diaspora. Support from the Vanua (chiefs and people) has also been significant. However, the party acknowledges it still needs to earn public trust.
“The focus remains on listening carefully, engaging respectfully, and strengthening policies through ongoing consultation,” Moce said.
“Sometimes being new is an advantage.
“We are not carrying decades of political baggage or entrenched interests.”
