The long wait is nearly over for tens of thousands of Fijians who want a say in how their country is run - they head to the polls on Wednesday for the first time since the military coup in 2006 led by the then military commander, and now interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama. For many young Fijians it will be the first time they have voted and they are eager to exercise their newly restored democratic rights. As is the case all over Fiji, the election has been the main topic of discussion at the University of South Pacific. Frank Bainimarama - the former army chief turned prime minister, who overthrew the Pacific-island nation’s government almost eight years ago - is touting his strongman credentials ahead of an election tomorrow that opinion polls indicate he will win. Asked if the ballot will bring an end to Fiji’s destabilizing coup culture, Bainimarama, 60, told the audience in Auckland last month “there’ll be no coup” - as long as they vote for him.
[Bainimarama] can’t afford to lose. They might change his constitution, he could lose the amnesties he brought in and be tried for treason.
Jon Fraenkel, a political scientist at Victoria University in Wellington, speaking to Bloomberg
A smooth vote could secure much-needed aid from larger neighbors such as Australia and New Zealand in a country where one third of the population lives in poverty. Meanwhile, on Monday Fiji imposed a strict media blackout on coverage of the election, warning journalists face up to five years jail if they do not comply. The blackout also applies to political campaigning, election material such as posters or banners, as well as discussion of this week’s vote on public forums including social media sites. Fijian election laws introduced this year by the government of Bainimarama ban publication of any opinion polls in the week before the election. Breaching the law can attract a five-year prison term and a $5,285 fine.
Amnesty International remains concerned that freedom of expression in Fiji is criminalised, or subject to restrictions not consistent with international human rights law.
Amnesty International executive director Grant Bayldon