There is strong indication that Fijians will know by later tonight who will form the Government.

Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem has called on registered voters to come out and vote today despite the rain.

He said the announcement of the results would not be affected by the wet weather.

Heavy rain and strong winds associated with Tropical Disturbance TD02F, were forecast. Their effects were felt in parts of the country from last night as TD02F tracked closer to the country from the west.

Mr Saneem confirmed that provisional results would start coming out by 8pm. By midnight a result should be known in the event there was a clear winner.

Mr Saneem also confirmed that provisional results would continue to be updated by the Fijian Elections Office until 7am tomorrow. In the event there is a hung Parliament, or need for a recount, it would be taken up from there.

Mr Saneem, calling on all Fijian voters to come out and vote, said yesterday: “Fiji has won rugby matches during heavy rain and it should not stop anyone from coming out to cast their votes.

“A General Election comes after every four years and ours is tomorrow (today),” he said.

“Therefore, I urge every Fijian to come out and vote because this is the chance you will have after the next four years.

“Don’t let the rain stop you, we even won sevens in heavy rain,” he said.

“Don’t worry about the rain, come out in large numbers and make your vote count

“Bring an umbrella or a rain coat and come prepared for a wet weather.”

Mr Saneem added that the process would only take 2-10 minutes and because it is a public holiday, Fijians should take advantage of the opportunity “to exercise your constitutional right to mark your ballot paper.”

He has also issued instructions to his polling agents – all Fijian voters need to be treated with respect.

Polling begins at 7.30am today.

The Fiji Meteorological Service states a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain affects the group.

It says the system is moving into an unfavourable environment and has very low chance of intensifying into a depression or a cyclone.

A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for all Fiji Waters.

The risk of flash flooding and flooding of low lying areas is elevated from today until tomorrow.

Keep raincoats and umbrella handy while going to cast your votes.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj