Allies await Fiji’s return to democratic fold

After seven years under military leader’s rule, key test is whether South Pacific island’s vote would be free and fair.

Voters in Fiji will go to the polls on Wednesday to take part in the first democratic elections since a military takeover in 2006. Fiji’s allies will be watching the long-awaited vote, eager to welcome the country back to the diplomatic fold.

Military commander Frank Bainimarama has served as prime minister of the tiny South Pacific island state since 2007. But as Al Jazeera’s Andrew Thomas reports from the capital Suva, the crucial test now is whether the election will be free and fair.

Source: Al Jazeera

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