Military will not interfere in next election, says RFMF Commander

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has assured the public it will not interfere in Fiji's next General Election.

Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai reaffirmed the RFMF's commitment to remaining neutral throughout the electoral process.

Dismissing speculation about his own political ambitions, Major-General Kalouniwai said he had no intention of contesting the election.

"I'm not standing in for election, so I have nothing to say about the election," he said.

He reassured the public there would be no military involvement despite the possibility of heightened political rhetoric and instability during the campaign period.

Major-General Kalouniwai said the RFMF would remain focused on its constitutional role.

"We will stay where we are at the moment. There's nothing for us to do," he said.

He added that matters relating to the conduct and management of the electoral process rested with the relevant authorities and the Government of the day.

Major-General Kalouniwai said the military would continue to keep its distance from political affairs.

He stressed that the RFMF would remain "far away from all that", reinforcing its position of non-involvement in Fiji's democratic process.

The assurance comes as Fiji prepares for its next General Election, with political parties expected to intensify campaigning in the lead-up to polling.