The future of Fiji's next government rests in the hands of the country's former leading opposition party, the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA).
SODELPA leader Viliame "Bill" Gavoka said there was no rush in forming government, reassuring voters that they would decide in their best interests.
"We are not rushing this. We have got 14 days to do it. It needs to be done properly. But I can assure you that the outcome will be the best for this country," he said.
The results from Fiji's national election have been finalised but no political party has won an outright majority.
A coalition between Sitiveni Rabuka's People's Alliance Party (PAP) and the National Federation Party (NFP) won a combined 44.7 per cent.
Frank Bainimarama's incumbent ruling Fiji First Party (FFP) gained 42.5 per cent of the total vote.
Since Saturday evening, a SODELPA negotiation team has met with representatives from both FFP and PAP-NFP to present a list of negotiable and non-negotiable terms.
Following counterproposals from the two leading parties, SODELPA's negotiating team will present proposals from both to their management board to take to a vote.
Non-negotiable terms include Indigenous iTaukei issues and the opening of a new Fijian embassy in Jerusalem.
"Fiji is predominantly a Christian country and it has always been the wish of the Christian community to have a presence in the Holy Land," he said.
Mr Gavoka said the party were willing to compromise on foreign affairs and education policies, as well as the make-up of cabinet.
"I can not give you the full list but that's where we are right now."
No security pact with China on the cards
When asked about SODELPA's position on China and its growing influence in the region, Mr Gavoka said their stance aligned closely with their "traditional partners".
“For SODELPA, our relationship in foreign affairs will be aligned closely to Australia, New Zealand and the members of the Pacific Island forum," he said.
"Our relationship with China will be guided by the Australian and New Zealand governments.
He ruled out the possibility of being open to a security deal similar to that of one signed by Solomon Islands and China earlier this year.
"I know the Solomon Islands have gone out and done the security thing with the Chinese. We won't do that. We will go with the traditional partners Australia and New Zealand."
Considering the pros and cons
Not ruling out the possibility of working with the incumbent FFP, the kingmaker said the party would carefully examine their options before making a decision.
"There are pros and cons for working with both parties and we [are choosing] very, very carefully. The end results would be for the betterment of this country and to reassure voters they continue to look after their interests," Mr Gavoka said.
"Our policies, as you know, were the first out there and quite a number of parties emulated what we had. So really, our policies are pretty common across the board.
"A lot of the parties adopted our policies late in the game. So we feel that our policies can be supported by the parties out there," he said.
The negotiation teams will finalise proposals to the SODELPA management board on Monday before a meeting is called to decide which party to form a coalition government with.
Voter and PAP-NFP coalition supporter Judy Compain said she was remaining positive that there would be a change in government.
"I think when you look at the number of people that have voted, you'll see that the majority have chosen for a change," she said.
When asked if she thought the coalition would need to form an allegiance with another party to win government, Ms Compain said the situation remained fluid.
"Things could change in a matter of maybe a few hours.
"If they do, we hope that SODELPA will choose wisely on who they will join."
