Counting of ballot papers of 70 of the 71 constituencies in Fiji has ended with the final seat - Laucala Open - going into the second count after a recount was ordered last night.

Before that, the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) secured the Serua Navosa Open constituency going to SDL's Jone Navakamocea, who won on the seventh count with 10,143 votes.

In second was FLP's Peniasi Dakua, who received 7638 votes.

Caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said this morning that the SDL hoped to secure the Laucala Open to give his party a 36-seat working majority, albeit a very slim one.

Caretaker Assistant Minister for Women Losena Salabula is the sitting candidate for Laucala Open and polled 7138 votes - 714 short of an absolute majority.

The SDL has 35 seats while the FLP comes in at a close second with 31 seats.

The other four seats went to the Independents and the UPP at two a piece.