Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/SUVA: Fiji goes to polls in a high-stakes race between two former military leaders that is being considered a test of the nation’s democracy and of China’s drive for Pacific dominance.
68-year-old incumbent Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama took over power in Fiji in 2006 after a coup, and since then, victories in 2014 and 2018 elections have solidified his hold on the position.
Sitiveni Rabuka, a powerful political competitor who earned the nickname “Rambo” after orchestrating two coups in 1987, stands in the way of Frank Bainimarama’s bid for another elected term. Rabuka is a 74-year-old former military leader.
Media blackout in Fiji elections
A stringent media blackout that forbade reporting on any aspect of the election for 48 hours prior to election day and until polls closed has characterised the run-up to the vote.
Voter Avinay Kumar, 26, claimed that as the election drew near, there was a distinct sense of tension in Suva.
Traditional and young parties are currently colliding, which is causing some tension, he told AFP.
While waiting in line to cast their ballots, voters at one Suva station fanning themselves with blue election booklets and seeking out trees for cover hinted that the election was under way.
Rabuka leadership and Fiji direction
Between 1992 and 1999, Rabuka, a former hammer thrower for the Commonwealth Games and international rugby player for Fiji, held the position of prime minister.
“I feel fantastic and am getting better. But the Lord is the rightful victor “After casting his ballot at an impromptu polling place in the capital city of Suva, Rabuka informed reporters.
By stating that it was time for Fiji to “reassess our connections” and expressly excluding a security agreement with Beijing, Rabuka gave the impression that the country could turn away from China under his leadership.
Bainimarama leadership and Fiji direction
Under Bainimarama, who utilised a “look north” strategy to stabilise the economy after Australia and New Zealand imposed harsh trade restrictions on the nation in punishment for his 2006 coup, Fiji has gotten closer to China. (APP/AFP)
