The Fijian Elections Office said a record 591,000 people have enrolled to vote in the poll on September 17.

Western nations will be closely watching the poll, but change could be slow because Frank Bainimarama, the former army chief who seized power to become prime minister, looks set to retain a dominant role.

The much-delayed vote is being closely watched by neighbours Australia and New Zealand, the region’s economic and diplomatic powerhouses.

Available at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2014-09-04/fiji-election-prepoll-voting-begins-as-australia-new-zealand-seek-to-revive-influence/1364475