The Commonwealth Group says it is encouraged by the preliminary report given by the Multinational Observer Group.

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma says the election has been a welcome turning point, and the people of Fiji are to be congratulated for participating peacefully in large numbers in a democratic process to express their views clearly on their choice of leaders and representatives.

Sharma has also commended the authorities for their organization and administration of the election.

The grouping is also awaiting the announcement of the official results.