The People’s Alliance, National Federation Party and Social Democratic Liberal Party today formalised their coalition agreement.
PA’s Leader Sitiveni Rabuka, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad and SODELPA President, the Taukei Waimaro, Ratu Manoa Roragaca signed the agreement in Suva binding themselves to work together in this manner to achieve the matters set out in this coalition agreement.
Both the PA’s and NFP have indicated their gratefulness to the leadership of SODELPA for the tough position that they were put in last week and for reaching the outcome that marked the historical swearing in of the coalition government.
Rabuka said it has not been easy, but we were driven by the fact that we knew what it would culminate to.
He said sacrifice on everyone’s part was pivot and a lot more compromise from negotiating teams.
Speaking at the event also, Prof Prasad said it was the wish of the National Federation Party to have a multi-national Government, and today we have achieved that.
“You can count on the Coalition Government to deliver on the promises that they have made. We are here for you,” he said.
However, speaker of behalf of the SODELPA President, Viliame Gavoka, said it was not an easy decision for SODELPA to make.
He said that there were some setbacks leading up to the decision taken, last Friday.
“We are grateful to the lead negotiator, Anare Jale for playing a lead role in negotiations with PA/NFP and the FijiFirst. It was not easy for him and his team.”
Gavoka said he looked forward to working with PA/NFP in the coalition government.
According to the agreement today, the Parties have acknowledged the principle that agreement between political parties in a democracy are not legally binding and depend on mutual respect, understanding cooperation, good faith and for the greater good of Fiji’s democracy.
