A RECENT survey of young Fijians between 18 and 35 paints a revealing picture of how the next generation views governance. It offers a good “look under the hood” in terms of the sentiments of young people from across Fiji’s provinces, when it comes to political leadership, economic inequality, and institutional trust.
Deep distrust in political leadership
The most striking finding is the distrust young Fijians hold toward political leaders. Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) believe that those in power are looking after themselves or the wealthy elite, rather than serving the public interest. Only 23 per cent rate Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka positively, with 43 per cent describing his performance as Bad or Very bad. This sentiment is common across age and gender lines, suggesting a widespread disillusionment with those at the helm.
When asked whether they feel if everyone is encouraged to participate in political processes, nearly half (46 per cent) said only a few people have a real say – identifying politicians, wealthy business owners, and chiefs as the dominant voices.
Inequality at the forefront
Young Fijians are acutely aware of economic disparity. More than two-thirds (68 per cent) disagree that the benefits of development reach everyone, consistently describing a country where urban centres like Suva prosper while rural and remote communities are left behind. The refrain “the rich get richer; the poor get poorer” appears repeatedly in open-ended responses.
Unemployment and lack of education are cited as the primary causes of poverty, yet 70 per cent of respondents believe the government has failed to take adequate steps to address these issues. Only 20 per cent rate their quality of life as Good, with the majority describing it as Fair or Poor / Very Poor.
Public funds and institutional trust
Concerns about corruption and mismanagement are pervasive. Seventy per cent of young Fijians disagree that public funds are managed equitably, and 64 per cent are dissatisfied with how public finances are handled. Many called for reduced spending on overseas travel and MP allowances, redirecting funds toward health, education, and infrastructure.
Trust in institutions is fragile. Over half (56 per cent) believe political influence affects judicial decisions, and 64 per cent feel judges are not consistently free from pressure. Confidence in the judiciary remains low, with only 18 per cent expressing confidence. The media fares no better—55 per cent rate it as Neutral or Not Confident, citing corruption and political interference as the biggest challenges.
A generation still engaged
Despite some sense of disillusionment, young Fijians are not giving up on democracy. Sixty-eight per cent say they plan to vote in the next election. Their frustration appears directed at current leadership rather than the democratic institution itself. Many expressed hope that their votes could bring change, though a significant minority are so disenchanted they describe voting as “useless” or believe “all politicians are the same.”
What young Fijians want
Across open-ended responses, young people were clear about what they need: accountability, transparency, and leaders who deliver on promises. They want jobs, affordable healthcare, functional roads, and development that reaches villages, as well as cities. They want their voices heard – and they want leaders who listen. Perhaps it was best summed up in one response: “Political leaders need to move beyond political manoeuvrings to delivering tangible results.”
