By Cooper Williams, Yasmine Wright-Gittins and Cindy Chand of Wansolwara in Suva
Former politician Remesio Rogovakalali is hoping to see transparency and engagement in the next term of government, no matter which party is elected.
The 77-year-old principal from Corpus Christi Teachers College in Nasese says he wants to see integrity and truth among politicians.
“I’d like to also see more engagement between government, non-governmental organisations and unions,” he told Wansolwara after voting at Suva Grammar School this morning.
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“Fijians are more educated than previous years, education is only getting better and this will make Fijian democracy stronger.”
Rogovakalali carries a wealth of experience in politics, having stood for election twice in 2001 and 2006.
Reflecting on his time in politics, he believes truth is a powerful tool and must be adopted more in Fijian politics.
“I’ve voted at every election and it carries immense value to be able to have our voices heard. I am urging all Fijians to vote and exercise your right and civic duty,” he said.
Another figurehead at the polls today was Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who also called on Fijian citizens to cast their votes before 6pm.
The former PM cast his vote at 10.46am at the University of the South Pacific’s Statham Campus polling station in Suva Point with his wife, Virmatee Chaudhry.
He said reports of wide voter turnout across the country were promising signs of Fiji’s interest in the results of the election.
“To citizens still contemplating whether or not they will cast their vote, please come and vote, take part in the election. This is your future and you must exercise your right to vote,” he said.
Voters like Mereani Babara, who moved from Tavua to Baulevu in Nausori five months ago, hopes the elected government would address sanitation and water woes in areas like Waidra, Baulevu.
She looked forward to casting her vote at Koroqaqa Primary School and urged other Fijians to make their way to their designated polling venue before the 6pm deadline.
Published in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific journalism programme’s Wansolwara News.
