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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — An international group that monitored Fiji's general election this week said Friday it didn't observe any voting irregularities and the process was transparent and credible.
Supporters of Frank Bainimarama, a former military Chief who seized power in a 2006 coup and held the post of the Prime Minister for the last 16 years, are out to disturb any peaceful transition to power in case the opposition parties cobble a coalition to form a new government.The
Fiji has become an integral part of the United States’ reengagement in the Pacific in recent years, including a visit to Suva from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in February. Although Fiji is a small country by global standards, it is a regional leader in the Pacific due to its central location, relative size and international role on issues ranging from peacekeeping to climate change action. Fiji also houses one of only six U.S. Embassies in the Pacific Islands, making it a hub for regional diplomacy.
Vote counting finished in Fiji's general election over the weekend, but today there is still no clear winner. Various political parties are now negotiating to form a coalition government. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.
Fiji’s elections have a generous use of the coup d’état, the choice of military forces fearing advancement of ethnic Indian interests.