Fiji's interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is set to face protests during his visit to New Zealand this weekend to campaign for the upcoming elections.
He is due to arrive tonight and attend a large Fiji First festival in Manukau tomorrow, where he is the keynote speaker. Mr Bainimarama has set up the Fiji First political party to contest that election on September 17.
A spokesman for Mr Bainimarama and Fiji First said his itinerary was yet to be finalised. "He's just visiting Fijians there and letting them know about the elections and what Fiji First stands for."
However, protests have been organised by some local Fijian groups, including one advertising a poster with a rifle target mark over Mr Bainimarama's face, calling him "Dictator Bainimarama".
Nik Naidu, spokesman for the Coalition of Democracy in Fiji, said there were mixed views about the visit. While moves toward holding elections should be encouraged, there was still concern about ongoing restrictions on the media as well as political debate and parties in Fiji.
