After moving away from Malake Island last year, husband and wife Sesoni Waqa and Akisi Ranadi were back in the village to cast their vote yesterday.

Mr Waqa said it was important for them to join their fellow villagers in casting their votes.

“Even though we moved away, we wanted to be here today to vote,” he said.

“It’s something that we know will impact our future.

“The next government will be responsible for our taxes, the cost of living and how much I will get paid.

“So it’s important that we choose wisely.”

Mrs Ranadi said she hoped the next government would help their fishing community.

“A lot of us depend on our jetty,” she said.

“We come here to board the boat to our village and right now it is not in good condition.

“I pray that the next government will be able to help us with that.”