The National Federation Party (NFP), which turned 61 years, remains committed to its principles of unity, multiracialism, and diversity, said leader and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad during the party’s annual convention in Sigatoka on Saturday.
Addressing a large gathering, Prof. Prasad emphasised that the NFP has always championed collaboration and inclusive leadership, working alongside different communities and political groups.
“We have stood firm on those principles. We have stood firm on the idea of consensus, dialogue, and shared leadership between different groups,” he said, highlighting the party’s collaboration with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in the current Coalition Government.
“This Coalition Government is a wake-up call for the country. It may have failed in the past, but today, we are working together to lead Fiji,” he added, stressing that the nation is moving away from a divisive political climate dominated by fear and misinformation.
Prof. Prasad pointed to the diversity of the NFP as a testament to its success in building bridges between communities.
“We have fought for unity, bringing communities together. NFP is now a truly multiracial party. Two out of three Members of Parliament come from our iTaukei community. Look at our office bearers, look at the crowd today—the mix, that diversity. That is the future of this country.”
In a statement, Fiji’s PM Rabuka acknowledged NFP’s significant role in Fiji’s political history, lauding its resilience.
“At 61 years, the National Federation Party proudly stands as Fiji’s longest surviving political party, a testament to its dedication to our people,” he said.
PM Rabuka reflected on NFP’s influence in shaping modern Fiji, from the pre-Independence era under the leadership of the late A.D. Patel to its role in the 1997 Constitution, a key moment of national unity.
“Fate brought us together when we collaborated on the 1997 Constitution—a historic moment for Fiji. It was recognised globally as a product of perseverance, dialogue, and consensus,” he said.
PM Rabuka noted that the current Coalition Government, led by NFP and his party, is the first to remain in power for more than a year, signalling its strength and commitment to democratic leadership. He also called for a re-examination of the 2013 Constitution, which, unlike its 1997 predecessor, he argued contains regressive elements that limit human rights.
The NFP was founded out of the struggles of farmers and indentured labourers and remains rooted in values of equality, social justice, and compassion.
The party, founded by A. D. Patel in November 1968 through the merger of the Federation Party and the National Democratic Party, historically represented Indo-Fijians, whose ancestors arrived in Fiji as indentured labourers between 1879 and 1916.
In the 2018 general election, the NFP saw a shift in its support base with the inclusion of more indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) candidates. By 2022, this trend continued, with prominent iTaukei figures like Pio Tikoduadua joining, broadening the party’s appeal.
The NFP, Fiji’s oldest party, is currently the second largest in the coalition. As the country faces political challenges, Prof. Prasad assured that the NFP, with its experience, diverse membership, and sound policies, offers a viable alternative for Fiji’s future.
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