The former general secretary of the Fiji Council of Trade Unions says contesting a seat in parliament is the only way unionists can advance their causes in Fiji.
Attar Singh stood down as general secretary on Friday, so he can contest September's elections.
Mr Singh says it was a difficult decision to make, but the barriers placed in front of trade unions by the regime are such that the only option is to enter parliament to try and change them.
"In these kinds of circumstances it's very difficult to carry out your work as a trade unionist and if we are to see any change we decided that the only way to do it is through the political process."
Attar Singh says his agenda will always be to advance workers rights in Fiji.