International observers rushed yesterday to endorse the Fijian election as credible.

However, most political ­parties insisted that they would not accept what was portrayed as a decisive win for military ruler Frank Bainimarama.

Observers claimed that the result of Wednesday’s election, while still being finalised, would broadly reflect the will of voters.

The endorsement paves the way for international sanctions against Fiji to be dropped.

But five of the seven registered parties that contested the election called on authorities to suspend the vote count until their complaints were investigated.

Elections supervisor Mohammed Saneem said yesterday that he had rejected their request.

Leaders of the opposition Sodelpa party and four other parties insisted that ballot boxes had been tampered with.

The election was the first since Mr Bainimarama seized control in a 2006 coup.

His Fiji First party claimed victory with 60 per cent of the vote.