Fiji expects big turnout as vote resumes

NADI - Election officials said they were bracing for a strong turnout in Fiji's first election since a coup 15 months ago led to a military-installed government.

"We are expecting a lot of people to go to the polls later today after checking into work first," Walter Rigamoto, supervisor of elections, said.

Around 500 police and 20 UN observers have been deployed to monitor the voting, which began August 25 and ends on Saturday.

There were no reports of disturbances during the first day of voting or on Sunday, when polls were closed, police said.

One of the candidates, Mahendra Chaudhry, an ethnic Indian, was ousted as prime minister in the coup, led by another candidate, nationalist George Speight.

Speight is running for office from prison, where he is awaiting trial for treason.

Race is expected to be the most divisive issue of the election, with some indigenous Fijians worried Indian culture has become predominant in many parts of the country.

Indians first arrived in Fiji in the late 1800s as indentured labourers to work the sugar cane fields.

They now represent 44 per cent of the population of 800,000.

Yesterday, thousands of people gathered in the capital Suva for a mass prayer for peace during the elections.

Members of the Assembly of God of Fiji were joined by non-members at a prayer meeting at the national sports stadium, with organisers putting attendance at about 10,0000.

Sugar cane cutters, fishermen, office workers and police, many with their families, stood side by side during the three-hour gathering, most holding hands at one stage, calling for calm as the South Pacific nation goes to the polls.

"We ask that every race in Fiji pray together in unison for a peaceful election in the country and also to allow God to choose the person to lead our country," said Beni Maituku, assistant superintendent of the Assembly of God of Fiji.

- REUTERS

High Court upholds Iloilo's decision to appoint Qarase as Prime Minister, clears way for August election

Full text plus audio:

Court of Appeal upholds constitution

Full text:

High Court rules in favour of Chaudhry

Fiji President names new Government

Main players in the Fiji coup

Fiji facts and figures