President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says the next national election should not become a battle of dividers, of people who pit province against province, religion against religion, or ethnicity against ethnicity.
While opening the new parliamentary session this morning, Ratu Wiliame says we should not only ignore candidates and party leaders who engage in that sort of politicking, but condemn them, loudly and together.
He says voters deserve better.
He says those who seek office must approach the campaign with compassion, with dignity and understanding, and they must “stay high” by adhering to principles of ethical conduct rather than “go low” by seeking votes at any cost.
Ratu Wiliame adds that merit must matter in our elections, just as it does across our civil service and for the Boards that govern our companies.
Ratu Wiliame further says he has personally served on a number of boards where he was privileged to work alongside well-qualified, merit-appointed colleagues.
The President adds he cannot stress how impactful merit-based leadership can be in steering our industries toward success, better jobs and greater prosperity.
