Two prominent unionists in Fiji are planning to stand for parliament at this year's election.
The president of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Daniel Urai, says he and the General Secretary, Felix Anthony, will stand under the banner of the People's Democratic Party.
Trade union office holders are banned by decree from belonging to political parties in Fiji and Mr Urai says their candidacy may mean resigning from their union positions.
"The workers need a voice in parliament and definitely that's where we will move. That's the only area where the plight of workers can be heard and they no longer have to go through the difficulties they face under the current regime."
Mr Urai says the party is moving in a positive direction but it is still in the early stage of development.
A party spokesman, Nirmal Singh, resigned from the PDP this week saying there were fundamental disagreements over several issues.
The PDP is one of four registered political parties in Fiji.
