SUVA, Fiji (AP) — Fiji’s military ruler for the past eight years appeared to be headed to a decisive victory Thursday to become the South Pacific nation’s elected leader.

With votes from three-fifths of polling stations counted, Voreqe Bainimarama’s Fiji First party was winning 60 percent of the vote, while its closest rival, the Sodelpa party, was trailing with 27 percent. The margin will ensure Fiji First will be able to rule outright in the Parliament under the country’s proportional system.