Suva - The jailed leader of last year's race-inspired coup in Fiji could have a key role in a new coalition government, it emerged yesterday.
Mr George Speight's indigenous party won at least six seats in the 71-seat assembly, election results showed, and political negotiations could see him released from jail to help form government.
Under a potential new government, Mr Speight's nationalist Conservative Alliance/ Matanitu Vanua (MV) would be the junior partner in a coalition with the fellow indigenous party, Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL), led by caretaker prime minister Mr Laisenia Qarase.
In opposition would be the Indian-dominated Fiji Labour Party, led by Mr Mahendra Chaudhry, the former prime minister deposed in last year's coup.