Fijian strongman Voreqe Bainimarama discovers democracy

Almost eight years after seizing power in a bloodless coup, Fiji's military ruler, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, has declared himself a convert to democracy and appears headed for an election victory and the legitimacy he has long craved.

The 60-year-old has enthusiastically taken to the hustings ahead of Wednesday's vote, touring the South Pacific nation in a blue bus emblazoned with the name of his FijiFirst party.

Bainimarama has opened roads, visited schools and made speeches at markets with a message that only he can provide the stability needed for Fiji to flourish and heal its racial divisions.

After stepping down as military leader to contest the election, he now talks of waging "a battle of ideas" and points to the constitution he introduced last year, which enshrines principles such as one person, one vote and a secular state.

"I'm not in the business of scaring anyone. On the contrary, I want Fijians to know that they can face the future with confidence and hope," Bainimarama said in Savusavu last week.

Bainimarama came to power in December 2006, when he used the army to oust the elected government of Laisenia Qarase in Fiji's fourth coup since 1987.