Fiji’s military ruler Voreqe Bainimarama, left, casts his vote in Suva
There was excitement among thousands of voters and relief from the international community yesterday as Fijians cast ballots in a landmark election they hope will end more than a quarter-century of political turmoil and eight years of autocratic rule. But democracy may not have much of a new look to it.
Military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama, who has ruled this sunny South Pacific nation since he seized control in a 2006 coup, is the front-runner. He’s popular in Fiji thanks in part to his focus on social programs, increased infrastructure spending and a crackdown on the media.
After casting his ballot, Bainimarama was asked whether he would accept the outcome if he lost.
“I’m not going to lose. I will win. You ask that question to the other party,” he said. Then he added, “Of course we will accept the election results. That is what the democratic process is all about.”
The 100 or so international election observers reported no problems by the time polling closed at 6 p.m. In the morning, voters lined up at polling stations, with just over half a million of the nation’s 900,000 citizens registered to vote.
The international community is prepared to drop remaining sanctions once Fiji officially restores democracy, including returning it to full membership among the Commonwealth group of nations.
Moti Ram, 73, arrived at a Suva polling station early with his whole family. “We wanted our votes to count,” he said.
Abele Tubaba, from the village of Koronatoga, said he hoped whoever wins will improve development in remote areas.
“We struggle to find markets for our root crops, grog and seafood,” he said, referring to a potent traditional Fijian drink. “We hope the new government brings better things for us.”
Polls indicate Bainimarama’s Fiji First party will comfortably win the most votes. Supporters say this reflects a job well done, while detractors say he’s seeking to legitimize his treasonous power grab and years of human rights abuses.
His nearest rival, Ro Teimumu Kepa, leader of the Sodelpa Party, said she and her candidates have done the best job they could: “We leave it to the people to decide.”
Bainimarama won favor with many Fijians by improving services. He’s made education free and spent tens of millions of dollars improving the roads, albeit much of it with money borrowed from China. And the economy is showing signs of life, growing by 4.6 percent last year, according to government figures. Nick Perry and Pita Ligaiula, Suva, AP
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