Northland-based Fijian Paula Tabakinabou will register and vote in Fiji's general election later this year and is appealing to his fellow compatriots to follow suit.
Electronic voter registration for Fijians eligible to vote will be held at St John Ambulance hall on Western Hills' Dr in Whangarei on May 17 as part of a week-long exercise that concludes in Christchurch on May 24.
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who seized power in a military coup in December 2006, announced elections under a new constitution would be held on September 17.
More than 500,000, or more than half the island nation's population, have already registered to vote. Those who hold a valid Fiji passport anywhere in the world are eligible to vote.
Mr Tabakinabou welcomes the election, saying it's an indication that Fiji is moving towards democracy.
"There were a few setbacks or dilemma as to whether or when an election would be held but to get a confirmation should bring happiness to our people back home," said the Whangarei-based prison officer.
He said announcement of the election date followed more good news such as the removal of sanctions and restoration of seasonal work opportunities for Fiji nationals in Australia and New Zealand.
A supporter of democracy, Mr Tabakinabou missed voting in the last election in 2006 by a few months after moving to New Zealand.
Asked about his predictions, he said it would be hard to pick the winner but acknowledged a good cross section of people were content with the work of the present regime.
"People have seen developments in terms of financial support and a good example is making school fees free which has been widely supported by all races," he said.
"The best way Fijians in Northland can support their people back home is to register and vote in the election."
Mr Tabakinabou's parents hail from the chiefly village of Tubou in the Lau Group but he was born and raised in the capital Suva.
His wife Seruwaia also plan to register and vote.