The National Federation Party says it respects the results of the 2018 Fijian general Election – but don’t accept it.

Speaking to the media for the first time following the announcement of the Election results, Leader Professor Biman Prasad says NFP is still considering its next step, including the question of his leadership of the party.

The Party finished the General Election race on third place.

Although it increased its votes by over six thousand the party that promised to secure all 51 seats in parliament has ended up with only three seats – the same number it had in the previous parliament.

“We of course respect the result and we see that as a lead in the poll. We are looking at it very carefully – if a legal challenge is merited, we will bring one, but if not merited we will not. We are looking at the evidence and taking advice. I cannot say anything more about this now.”

Despite not accepting the results, the leader did not shy away from congratulating the ruling party.

“For the moment and based on the official result, it is appropriate to congratulate the FijiFirst Party for its lead in the polls."

But in the same breath Prasad took a swipe at FijiFirst and its leader Voreqe Bainimarama.

“The Election result in our view is a rejection of the FijiFirst Party’s dictatorial and bulldozing style of government. If they are smart they will change the way they govern.”

The NFP also maintains that it will continue to push the party’s campaign policies which despite promising so much did not find traction with voters.

“For NFP we did not get the result that we wanted. We increased our share of popular vote – but we fell a few votes short of increasing our numbers in parliament. We will continue to fight inside parliament and outside for better wages for our workers, lower cost of living, better housing, fair price for our farmers, better education and health and better opportunities for our youth.”

The NFP Leader also hinted that he will be considering his political career soon.

“At some point in the near future the right thing for me to do is to put my own leadership on the table, I have made no decisions at this stage about my own political future, I will consult the party leaders and supporters first.”

However, the Party president says support for their leader stands.

“We know that he is not happy with the electoral result, but we want him to know that our party is solidly behind him, a legendary party does not look at the short term.”

The NFP members who have qualified to enter parliament include Leader Biman Prasad, President Pio Tikoduadua and first time candidate Lenora Qereqeretabua.