Fiji election race widens as three more political parties seek a place on the upcoming ballot

Fiji’s political landscape is becoming increasingly crowded ahead of the country’s next general election.

This is after three more political movements seeking registration and the campaign period already underway.

There are currently eight registered political parties in Fiji, with three more applications being processed.

If all three are approved, Fiji could have 11 political parties eligible to contest the election, up from nine parties in the 2022 poll.

The latest group hoping to enter the race is the Liberation of Fiji Party, which lodged its registration application last week.

Led by founding members Veronica and Manoa Malani, the party is now going through the formal review and public objection process before it can be registered.

Liberation of Fiji Party officials with the Registrar of Political Parties Ana Mataiciwa. Photo/Fijian Elections Office

Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, says the process is designed to ensure all applicants meet legal requirements and give the public an opportunity to have their say.

“Once the publication is made, the objections period will officially open,” she says. “Any person may submit a written objection to the FEO regarding the party's application for registration, during the objections period.

“We will assess and respond to all objections within seven days of receipt, after giving the proposed party an opportunity to respond, and afterwards inform both the objectors and the applicant party of the decision.”

Fiji's Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa. Photo/Fijian Election Office

Another newcomer is the People First Party, which was successfully registered in January and is led by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu.

The party is largely made up of the "G16+1" group of former FijiFirst Members of Parliament, who regrouped after former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's FijiFirst party was deregistered in July 2024.

Speaking after the Electoral Commission officially declared the campaign period open, Seruiratu said his party was ready for the contest ahead.

“We are ready. We are always ready,” Seruiratu told Fiji media. “We have to prepare accordingly. There has been some work done but I think we have to pick up the tempo now.”

The proposed NextGen Alliance Party (NGAP) has also reapplied for registration after previously failing to meet membership requirements across Fiji’s Northern, Western, and Central divisions.

NextGen Alliance Party officials after submitting their application to the Registrar of Political Parties Ana Mataiciwa. Photo/Fijian Elections Office

Party leader Apisai Caginakana Moce says the movement was formed to bring change.

“We have suffered long enough, and it will take all of us to save ourselves from this political and economic quagmire,” he told supporters.

“We need you as much as you need us. We all need each other in this final lap. We will leave no one behind.”

Meanwhile, the One Nation Party led by lawyer Roko Tupou Draunidalo, is also seeking registration.

According to its founding documents, the party aims to uphold the Constitution, promote equal citizenship and build a fair and tolerant society.

President of Fiji Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu registers for the general election. Photo/Fijian Election Office

Former FijiFirst MP Faiyaz Koya is listed among its founding members.

As political parties prepare for the race ahead, electoral authorities are also focusing on voters including the large Fijian diaspora overseas

Mataiciwa says more than 16,000 people have already been reached through the nationwide Your Election Your Say (YES) voter registration and awareness programme.

“Our mission is to bring voter registration and awareness closer to every Fijian, both locally and overseas; to ensure every eligible voter is registered; and to make sure that voter details are up to date well ahead of the upcoming elections,” she says.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili says overseas Fijians have an important role to play.

“The YES Outreach reminds every Fijian that their voice matters and that involvement is not optional in a democracy, it is fundamental to it,” he says. “Register now. Update your details now. Be prepared now.”

Electoral awareness and voter registration exercises are being carried out all over the country. Photo/Fijian Election Office

The YES Outreach initiative ended on 13 June wiith Fijian Elections Office officials expected to visit New Zealand next week as part of the voter registration and awareness drive.

The earliest possible Writ for Fiji’s next general election can be issued on 24 June, 2026, which would allow for a first polling day on 7 August, 2026.

The latest possible writ date is 24 December, 2026, which would place election day on 6 February, 2027.

Watch Fiji's Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa wrap up the YES Campaign.