Fiji prepares to vote

Transcript

Election workers have started preparing polling stations in Fiji for election day tomorrow.

More than 1,300 polling station open around the country at half past seven.

Voters are also getting ready as Sally Round discovered on a walk through the western town of Nadi.

Some voters spoken to in Nadi by our reporter Sally Round.

SALLY ROUND: How are you feeling about the election tomorrow?

MAN: Well I am pretty excited about it, because we need a democracy government, do you know what I mean? We're pretty sure it will be a good outcome after tomorrow and there will be a good government.

WOMAN: I'm not feeling worried because we know we are serving a living God. Looking forward to it, yes, carry on with a new government. We're feeling relaxed, there's nothing happening in Fiji (laughs).

MAN: It's great. After eight years we are going to have an election and I'm ready to vote, and tomorrow I am going to vote. So we have a good government and all our problems are sorted out, thank you.

SR: And you yourself, are you going to be voting tomorrow?

MAN: No, I'm not registered to vote. I have voted three times before and unfortunately there was a coup all the time I voted. So I believe that my vote doesn't count so I'll refrain from voting this time.

MAN: It's a historic event in the history of Fiji. It's one man, one vote, that was very long overdue.

SR: And are you going to be getting out there early to vote?

MAN: Yes, the polling station is just next door to my house and I have promised my wife that we will be there about quarter to seven and we would like the first one to vote.

WOMAN: I'm happy, and prepared for a long time. So we're excited, happy tomorrow for the election day. Tomorrow will be a good day for us.

WOMAN: I'll go by bus or taxi like that and I will take my family with me, with all my five friends with me.

SR: Have you got a rush on in your shop, people coming to buy?

MAN: Oh yeah, most of them, most of them. See that lady came she used to take a cup but today she used to take a kilo. She says might, if something goes wrong, then they won't have anything to eat and all this. They are worried, they are worried, because this thing happened so many times.

SR: Are we talking about the Indo-Fijian community here?

MAN: Yes, yes. They are the one in big fear.

SR: And have you noticed elsewhere in the market here that there is a lot of people buying up things, foodstuffs?

MAN: Yes, yes, yes. Most of them.

WOMAN: This is what we are waiting for a long time, to vote for a new government. We feel free tomorow to vote and looking forward for a new government. It's fair to all of us.

SR: Is this a big day for you?

WOMAN: Yes, it's a big day for tomorrow, which party you're going to choose.

SR: And how will election day go for you, what's your plan for the day?

WOMAN: It's just normal. You have to dress nicely to go and vote and play some guitar and drink kava.

SR: How are you feeling about tomorrow?

WOMAN: Feeling good, we hope that anybody who sits in the government just have to do good things for people, you know, not just for their pocket, for the people. They are really in need of help.