There has been excitement among thousands of voters and relief from the international community as Fijians cast ballots in a landmark election they hope will end eight years of autocratic rule.

But democracy may not have much of a new look to it.

Military strongman Frank Bainimarama, who has ruled the South Pacific nation since he seized control in a 2006 coup, is the front-runner.

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He’s popular in Fiji thanks in part to his focus on social programs, increased infrastructure spending and a crackdown on the media.

In early counting, Bainimarama’s Fiji First party had 59.6 per cent of the vote with 1000 of the 2025 polling stations processed, according to official results reported by the Fiji Times newspaper.

Its closest rival, the Sodelpa Party, had 27.6 per cent.

After casting his ballot, Bainimarama was asked whether he would accept the outcome if he lost.

“I’m not going to lose. I will win. You ask that question to the other party,” he said.

He added: “Of course we will accept the election results. That is what the democratic process is all about.”

The 100 or so international election observers reported no problems by the time polling closed at 6pm.

Human rights groups say Bainimarama has cultivated his own image by controlling the nation’s media, and has looked after his own interests by meddling with the constitution, ensuring he and other coup leaders are immune from prosecution.

Brij Lal, a professor at the Australian National University, said the international community is so eager to reward Fiji for holding the election that it’s willing to overlook how Bainimarama gained power and held on to it.

“They all realise the process will be flawed,” he said.

“But as long as Fiji goes through the motions reasonably OK, then that’s fine.”

While Bainimarama’s party appears assured of gaining the most votes of the seven parties contesting the election, it may not cross the 50 per cent threshold needed to rule outright in the Parliament, where the seats will be allocated proportionally based on the number of votes received.