The New Zealand Government has done well to lift the travel ban that it had imposed on the Fijian military, ministers, Government officials and even sportspersons connected with the establishment. Foreign Minister Murray McCully said that the decision was driven by the promise of the current regime to return the country to democracy through the general election due to be held on September 17, 2014.
The sanctions of course did little to either change the stance of the Fijian Government on its determination to bring equality to all its citizens or deter businesspersons and tourists from visiting Fiji to conduct trade and commerce or enjoy a holiday.
Whatever be the outcome, the forthcoming elections would decide the destiny of the South Pacific for decades to come. In choosing their Government, the people of Fiji will determine what is best in their interest and how they can move forward, facing a number of economic and social challenges. A stable administration will certainly help.
The Fiji Election Office has announced that it would send its officials for another round of voter registration to Auckland. We hope that those eligible to vote would enrol in the voters’ list and exercise their franchise.
