Fiji's military says it will accept the results of next year's election, no matter what the outcome is.
The Fijian president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau inspects the Guard of Honour before addressing parliament Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
The chief of staff, Colonel Jone Kalouniwai, said the military has learned from past mistakes, and would accept the outcome.
Since 1987, Fiji has been hit by military coups three times within a year after elections.
Photo: Fiji Government
The 2014 election was the first since Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's coup in 2006.
The instigator of the 1987 coup, Sitiveni Rabuka, is now the leader of the main opposition Sodelpa Party, pitting former coup leader against former coup leader.
Former Fiji prime minister and two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD
But while promising to accept the results, the military hasn't refrained from talking openly about politics.
So far this year, it has spoken out against statements from both of the main opposition parties as well as the Methodist Church.
Under the constitution, the military is responsible for the well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.