LOYALIST members of deposed Fijian Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama’s Fiji First, have formed a political party to contest the next general election.
People First is led by former Navy officer, Semi Koroilavesau, who is also a sitting Fiji First member of parliament.
Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu – also a former military officer – and Jone Usumate are members of People First and serving Fiji First MPs. Former army officers Viliame Naupoto and Iowane Naivalurua have joined Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s ruling coalition with several former Fiji First MPs.
Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, announced the registration of the new party today.
She said there were four objections concerning the party’s name, symbol, and constitution, but these had been reviewed and dismissed.
Objectors now have 14 days to appeal the decision to the Electoral Commission.
Koroilavesau has been named president, Raktnesh Kumar is vice-president, Ema Dimila is secretary, and Lina Racuvu is treasurer.
People First brings the total number of registered political parties in Fiji to eight.