NZ Foreign Minister congratulates people of Fiji

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has congratulated the people of Fiji following our first democratic elections since 2006.

McCully said Fiji’s election is a significant event, both for Fiji and for the wider Pacific region.

He said the Multinational Observer Group’s initial report suggests the election was credible and voting and counting processes ran smoothly.

McCully said there was a good turnout and all early indications are that the conditions were in place for the people of Fiji to exercise their right to vote freely.

The NZ Foreign Minister said a more detailed report will follow in the coming weeks and these preliminary findings are a cause for optimism, despite some concerns being raised about restrictions on the electoral environment and the complexity of the voting system.

New Zealand contributed an 11 member team to the Multinational Observer Group which was made up of representatives from 13 countries and co-led by Australia, India, and Indonesia.

McCully said the counting of the votes continues and NZ looks forward to working with the newly elected government in Fiji when it is formed.