Politics
Politics of Fiji
See also: 2006 Fijian coup d'état
Politics of Fiji normally take place in the framework of a parliamentary
representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Fiji is the
head of government, the President the head of state, and of a multi-party
system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is
vested in both the government and the Parliament of Fiji. The Judiciary is
independent of the executive and the legislature.
Since independence there have been four coups in Fiji, two in 1987, one in 2000
and one in late 2006. The military has been either ruling directly, or heavily
influencing governments since 1987.
2006 military takeover
This section documents a current event.
Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.
Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama2006 Fijian coup d'état
Citing corruption in the government, Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank)
Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, staged a coup on
December 5, 2006 against the Prime Minister that he himself had installed after
the 2000 coup. This coup followed two in 1987 and one in 2000. The Commodore
took over the powers of the President and dissolved the parliament, paving the
way for the military to continue the take over.
The coup was the culmination of weeks of speculation following conflict between
the elected Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, and Commodore Bainimarama.
Bainamarama had repeatedly issued demands and deadlines to the Prime Minister.
At particular issue was previously pending legislation to pardon those involved
in the 2000 coup; however, substantial concessions made by the Prime Minister on
this and other issues failed to resolve the crisis.
Bainimarama named Jona Senilagakali caretaker Prime Minister. Senilagakai had
not been asked beforehand whether he would accept the appointment and claimed
that he would have refused had he been given the choice. The next week
Bainimarama said he would ask the Great Council of Chiefs to restore executive
powers to President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo. On December 6, Bainimarama declared a
state of emergency, and warned that he would not tolerate any violence or
unrest.
Following the coup, the Commonwealth of Nations held an emergency meeting in
London, where they declared Fiji's membership had been suspended. On December 9,
the military rulers advertised for positions in the Government, including
cabinet posts, in a national newspaper. They stated people wishing to apply must
be "of outstanding character", have no criminal record, and never have been
bankrupt.
Also on December 9 the IFNA withdrew the right of Fiji to host the 2007 World
Netball Championships as a consequence of the Military takeover. The withdrawal
is expected to have a significant impact in Fiji due to the popularity of sports
such as Netball.
On January 4, 2007, the military announced that it was restoring executive power
to President Iloilo , who made a broadcast endorsing the actions of the
military. The next day, Iloilo named Bainimarama as the interim Prime Minister,
indicating that the Military was still effectively in control.
