There will still be disagreements in the Parliament, but we are civilised people and we must manage those with civility and respect.

This was highlighted by the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, during the return of the Writ of Elections by Fiji Electoral Commission chairperson Suresh Chandra at the Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday.

“Keeping before us the ideals that we must all work to solve our problems and improve the lives of every Fijian. In accepting the results, I now look forward to swearing in the new Government,” he said.

Mr Konrote said he was pleased to see that the writ was returned  before the 28th day of November.

“I would like to commend and acknowledge the hard work of all individuals who contributed to the successful return of the Writ today,” he said.

“I wish to acknowledge first and foremost the Fijian Elections Office and the chairperson, Suresh Chandra, and his fellow commissioners.

“I also commend the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, and his senior management team who had been at the forefront of leading this elections process.

“Your effort is the key to supporting the very foundations of our democracy.”

Mr Konrote also acknowledged and thanked the Multi-National Observers Group co-chairs Jane Prentice for being an objective and impartial voice throughout the process that has supported the strength of the independent institutions of Fiji’s democracy.

In addition, Mr Konrote thanked all Fijians for exercising their right to vote.

“We have chosen the individuals to be with us for the next four years and it is my prayer to the Almighty God that all Fijians will stay true to our calling and work together to take our beloved nation to greater heights,” he said.

“Democracy is something we should protect and that begins with elections.”

Furthermore, the Acting Prime Minister, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said despite all that, they had overwhelming support from Fijians, who rejected the politics of old and embraced the fact that the nation had progressed as a state.

“This was based on ensuring that we have an inclusive society and that is what we are focused on,” he said.

Indonesia ambassador to Fiji Benyamin Scott Carnadi said the 2018 General Election was a transparent process and results were very good.

“It is very great for the democracy of the country and are looking forward to working closely with the new Government,” he said.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr, said he was really pleased to see the democratic process in Fiji working and it had now produced a Government to take Fiji forward for the next four years.

“My congratulations to the Prime Minister of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, and the FijiFirst party.

“Our bilateral relationship with Fiji is excellent at the moment. I have no doubts that it will continue to be in an excellent shape and will become even better for the next four years.”

Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, congratulated the people of Fiji and the Fijian Elections Office for a successful election.

Australia is a co-chair of the Multinational Observer Group alongside Indonesia and India.

“As the MOG said on Friday, the election was free, fair and credible and reflected the will of the people and I would like to congratulate the Fijian Govt for being re-elected and for the Opposition for taking part in the election,” Mr Feakes said.

“We will continue to work closely with the Government in the years ahead.”

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal said the 2018 General Election was transparent and credible.

Mr Sapkal said India would continue to support Fiji when it cames to democracy.

“The 2018 General Election was done in a very credible and transparent manner. The interim report by the MOG also states that the process is really professional,” he said.

“I would like to thank the voters for taking part in taking Fiji forward through a democratic process.”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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