Tears of joy as opposition reach deal to unseat veteran Fiji PM
The Hindu
Former rugby international and coup leader-turned-democrat Sitiveni "Rambo" Rabuka, is set to be the country's next Prime Minister
Ecstatic Fijians poured onto the streets to celebrate the end of Frank Bainimarama's 16-year rule, after election opponents reached a deal on Tuesday to form a coalition government.
Former rugby international and coup leader-turned-democrat Sitiveni "Rambo" Rabuka, is set to be the country's next Prime Minister, after securing the support of a minor party and enough seats for a parliamentary majority.
"I would like to thank and congratulate the people of Fiji," Mr. Rabuka said, claiming victory after Wednesday's contentious election. "They have voted for change."
Mr. Rabuka and his coalition allies have vowed to renew Fiji's democracy and introduce a "more caring, compassionate" and accountable government after what they see as a decade and a half of semi-authoritarian rule.
"It's been too long", said 21-year-old politics student Vilivo Amo, who was one of thousands on the streets of Suva. "They are bringing democracy back."
"This current government, people get taken to task for no reason, they get trouble from the police. That will change."
Mr. Bainimarama, a former naval commander, came to power in a 2006 coup but later won two elections to legitimise his hold on power.
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