An opinion poll said Fiji's Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, has an approval rating of more than two thirds.

The poll by the Australian think tank, the Lowy institute, was conducted on the main island, Viti Levu, in August, and polled 1,032 people.

The Lowy poll report states that Commodore Bainimarama has good support from 66% of the people polled, and 65% of the people believe Fiji is heading in the right direction.

According to the Australian poll, an overwhelming 95% of people support the right to vote in a free election, and around half of the people feel the government is doing a good job making progress to elections.

The Pacific Islands Forum, currently meeting in Auckland, is seen as the most important regional organisation for Fiji, and 79% of people disapprove of Fiji's suspension from the regional organisation.

83% of the people surveyed believe Fiji should be left alone to sort out its return to democracy, and sanctions against the country should be lifted.

96% said the right to a media free from censorship is important to them.

The Fiji Government's delivery of basic services attracted strong support (for example, 82% thought the government is doing a good job delivering education).

While 53% said democracy is the preferred form of government, 68% approved of the Fiji military's role in politics at the moment but approval for a permanent role for the military slipped back to 53%.


Story by: Vijay Narayan