"We are telling the people we must restore genuine democracy," said Chaudhry, sitting under a traditional bure sun shelter on the edge of sugar cane field.
"There is no use having an election then not respecting the mandate of the voters... It is important to restore our dignity, credibility and self respect as a nation," he said, sipping coconut milk from the shell.
Chaudhry is doubtful last year's events will be repeated if he's re-elected, but said "misguided nationalism" and political opposition to ethnic Indian involvement in Fiji still exists.
"We have been through hell since May 2000."
More than 500 police have been deployed to guard against voter intimidation over the next week and 20 UN observers have fanned out around the country to insure a fair election.
"I don't count out the possibility of disturbances and agitation, but those responsible for the events of May 19 have dwindling support now," Chaudhry said.
The leader of the coup, George Speight, along with his close advisers are awaiting trial on charges of treason.
Speight, a one time insurance salesman and restaurant owner, is contesting the election as a candidate of the Conservative Alliance party from prison, something Chaudhry finds disturbing.
"Our international reputation has been critically damaged and now we are the laughing stock in the region," Chaudhry said.
Indians were first brought to Fiji as indentured workers to tend sugar cane fields and over the decades have grown to 44 per cent of the population of 800,000, with strong ties to business.
Some in Fiji believe Indians now hold too big an influence on the country's future, an idea Chaudhry rejects.
"All this talk of indigenous rights being threatened and land ownership at risk is just talk," he said.
"In fact they are secure."
Despite the turmoil, Chaudhry insists Fiji is again ready for an ethnic Indian prime minister.
"By and large, the grass roots people accept it. The mischief makers are politicians who lose elections and other entrenched interest groups," he said. "Here we are fighting racism."
"We have a coup culture and I think this is time to redeem ourselves as a nation. If we don't do it, then we are in for some terrible times."
Chaudhry said he was not bitter about his time in captivity, but could not forgive his enemies for the havoc their actions caused to the country.
Thousands had lost their jobs and poverty levels had risen sharply in the past year, with half the population living near or below the poverty level, he said.
"It will not be easy to rebuild Fiji's economy." Occupation of police stations, and possibly more importantly, some of Fiji's renowned vacation resorts - tourism is the number one foreign income earner - during the coup raised concerns among international investors, Chaudhry said.
"We have that record now as an investment destination. When people want to come here, they ask: 'Is my investment secure?'"
It will take time to restore investors' confidence, he said.
"I am not hopeful of attracting any large investment in a hurry," Chaudhry said.
Sugar, Fiji's number two industry, is also in bad shape in need of land reform laws and modern milling equipment, he said.
"If these issues are not resolved in a hurry, I think we can kiss the sugar industry good bye in three or four years."
But the most important issue facing Fiji as it goes to the polls is one of reconciliation, Chaudhry said.
"We thought that the last bastion of racism was South Africa and it took decades to demolish that."
- REUTERS
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