By Pita Ligaiula in Luanda, Angola

Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland has offered her best wishes to the people of Fiji as they go to the polls on Wednesday this week to elect the new government.

693, 915 Fijians are registered to cast their vote in the one-day vote.

In an interview with PACNEWS in Angola’s capital Luanda, after the 10th Summit of Heads of States and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), SG Scotland hopes the voice of the people will be heard.

“Well, I am really proud that this is another election for a democratic election of a government for Fiji.

“I wish everyone a good heart to exercise their vote peacefully in accordance with the Commonwealth best practice. And I’m confident if that happens, then the voice of the people of Fiji will be heard,” SG Scotland told PACNEWS

Secretary Scotland is confident the election in Fiji will be peaceful, free and fair.

“So, I wish everyone well, both the government, the opposition and every Fijian voter.

“This is their time to have their views expressed fairly openly, safely. And I hope it will be a moment of joy and celebration for the people of Fiji as they express their desires for the next election and for the next government,” said SG Scotland.

Nine political parties are contesting for this year’s election with the ruling party hopes to retain power but are facing stiff challenges from opposition party.

SOURCE: PACNEWS