Politics of Fiji Constitution of Fiji Main article - Preamble Chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ::9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Executive government President - Vice-President Prime Minister - Cabinet Attorney-General Leader of the Opposition Legislative government Parliament Senate House of Representatives Speaker Judicial government Main article Magistrates Courts High Court Court of Appeal Supreme Court Chief Justice Chief Magistrate Appeal Court President Local government Main article Municipal elections 2002 - 2005 Other political institutions Great Council of Chiefs Chairman, G.C.C. Political parties Historical institutions Governor Governor-General Chief Minister Legislative Council Electoral system Main article Voting system Open constituencies Communal constituencies National constituencies Elections in Fiji Main article 1966 - 1972 March 1977 - September 1977 1982 - 1987 - 1992 1994 - 1999 - 2001 2006 Foreign affairs Main article Diplomatic relations of Fiji File links The following pages link to this file: Foreign relations of Fiji Fiji Suva Freedom House Atu Ratu-mai-mbula Samulayo Burotu Degei Murimuria Cibaciba and Drakulu Dakuwanga Lewalevu Lingadua Nabangatai Ndauthina Ndengei Ngendi Ngurai Tui Delai Gau Vitu OFC Nations Cup List of national flags Fijian language 1995... Constitutional Structure See main article: Constitution of Fiji and linked articles. ... Background The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands dates from 1997. ... This article is a commentary on the Preamble to the Fijian constitution. ... Chapter 1: The State. ... Chapter 2: Compact. ... Chapter 3: Citizenship. ... Chapter 4: Bill of Rights. ... Chapter 5: Social Justice. ... Chapter 6: The Parliament. ... Chapter 7: Executive Government. ... Chapter 8 Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga) Chapter 8: Executive Government. ... Chapter 9 Judiciary Section 117 Judicial power (1) The judicial power of the State vests in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court and in such other courts as are created by law. ... Chapter 10 State Services Section 140 Recruitment and promotion policy The recruitment of persons to a state service, the promotion of persons within a state service and the management of a state service must be based on the following principles: (a) government policies should be carried out effectively and efficiently... Chapter 11 Accountability Part 1 Code of Conduct Section 156 Code of Conduct (1) This section applies to the President, Vice-President, Ministers, members of Parliament, holders of offices established by or continued in existence under this Constitution, members of commissions, Secretaries of departments, the Secretary to the Cabinet and... Chapter 12 Revenue and Expenditure Section 175 Raising of revenue The raising by the Government of revenue or moneys, whether through the imposition of taxation or otherwise, must be authorised by or under an Act. ... Chapter 13 Group Rights Section 185 Alteration of certain Acts (1) A bill alters any of the following Acts, namely: (a) Fijian Affairs Act; (b) Fijian Development Fund Act; (c) Native Lands Act; (d) Native Land Trust Act; (e) Rotuman Act; (f) Rotuman Lands Act; (g) Banaban Lands Act; or... Chapter 14 Emergency Powers Section 187 Emergency powers (1) The Parliament may make a law conferring power on the President, acting an the advice of the Cabinet, to proclaim a state of emergency in Fiji, or in a part of Fiji, in such circumstances as the law prescribes. ... Chapter 15 Amendment of Constitution Section 190 Alteration of Constitution This Constitution maybe altered in the way set out in this Chapter and may not be altered in any other way. ... Chapter 16 Commencement, Interpretation and Repeals Section 193 Short title and commencement (1) This Act maybe cited as the Constitution Amendment Act 1997. ... [Chapter 17] Schedule Oaths and Affirmations [Part 1] A. Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance Oath: I, A.B., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Republic of the Fiji Islands, according to law. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Fiji has the Westminster system - executive authority is vested nominally in a President, but exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers, presided over by the Prime Minister. ... The Attorney General of Fiji is his countrys official lawyer within the government. ... The post of Leader of the Opposition is a political office common in countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. ... Fijis Parliament is bicameral. ... The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. ... Overview The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Fijis Parliament. ... The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Fijian House of Representatives. ... The High Court of Fiji is independent of the legislative and executive branches of the acting government. ... The Court of Appeal of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the High Court and the Supreme Court. ... The Supreme Court of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the High Court and the Court of Appeal. ... The Chief Justice is Fijis highest judicial officer. ... Fijis Court of Appeal is chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal. ... Fiji is divided administratively into four divisions, which are further subdivided into fourteen provinces. ... Fiji has established municipal governments have been established for two cities (Suva and Lautoka) and ten towns (Ba, Labasa, Lami, Levuka, Nadi, Nausori, Nasinu, Savusavu, Sigatoka, and Tavua). ... Fijis municipal elections of October 2002 produced results that allowed three major political parties, the United Fiji Party (SDL), the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), and the National Federation Party (NFP) to claim a victory of sorts. ... Municipal elections were held for 11 of Fijis twelve city and town councils on 22 October 2005. ... The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. ... The Great Council of Chiefs The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a formal assembly of Fijis senior hereditary chiefs, along with some representatives of the national government and provincial councils, who may or may not be hereditary chiefs themselves. ... A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues with the aim to participate in power, usually by participating in elections. ... Fiji was a British Crown Colony from 1874 to 1970, and an independent dominion in the British Commonwealth from 1970 to 1987. ... Fiji became a British Crown Colony in 1874, and an independent dominion in the British Commonwealth in 1970. ... Fijis British colonial rulers established the office of Chief Minister in October 1967, along with the Cabinet system of government. ... The Fijian Legislative Council was the colonial precursor to the present-day Parliament, which came into existence when Fiji became independent on 10 October 1970. ... // Historical overview Fijis electoral system is the result of complex negotiations, compromises, and experiments conducted over the years leading up to and following independence from British colonial rule in 1970. ... The Fijian House of Representatives consists of 71 members, all elected from single member constuencies. ... Open constituencies represent one of several electoral models employed in the past and present in the Fijian electoral system. ... Communal constituencies have been the most durable feature of the Fijian electoral system. ... National constituencies are a former feature of the Fijian electoral system. ... Elections in Fiji gives information on election and election results in Fiji. ... The general election to the Fijian Legislative Council in 1966 was the last to be held before independence from the United Kingdom was granted in 1970. ... Politics of Fiji Categories: Stub | Elections in Fiji | Fiji-related stubs ... Fijis election for the House of Representatives held in March 1977 was the second since independence from the United Kingdom in 1970. ... A general election to Fijis House of Representatives was held in September 1977, to resolve the impasse of an earlier election that had been held in March. ... Politics of Fiji Categories: Stub | Elections in Fiji | Fiji-related stubs ... The general election of April 1987 was Fijis fifth since the country had gained its independence from the United Kingdom seventeen years earlier. ... A general election was held to restore Fiji to democracy in 1992. ... Fiji held a general election in 1994, three years earlier than scheduled. ... The general election to the Fijian House of Representatives, held in May 1999, was historic. ... The Constitution of Fiji was restored by a Supreme Court decision, following the failure of the Fiji coup of 2000. ... The Constitution of Fiji requires general elections for the House of Representatives to be held at least once every five years. ... Fiji maintains an independent, but generally pro-Western, foreign policy. ... Fiji maintains direct diplomatic or consular relations with countries with historical, culrural, or trading ties to Fiji; Ambassadors stationed in such countries are often accredited to neighbouring countries. ... Politics Portal Politics (by country) State leaders Legislatures Elections by country Electoral calendar Parties by country Parties by name This is a list of politics articles available for every country. ... This is a list of state leaders, showing heads of state and heads of government where different, mainly in parliamentary systems; it should be noted that often a leader is both in presidential systems or dictatorships. ... This is a list of national legislatures, whether parliamentary or congressional, that act as a plenary general assembly of representatives with the power to legislate. ... Elections by country gives information on elections. ... This electoral calendar lists the national/federal direct elections in the countries listed in the list of countries. ... This article is 200KB or more in size. ... Welcome to the index of political parties, an alphabetical list of (mainly) present-day political parties listed in the list of political parties. ...

History of Fiji Timeline Discovery The rise and fall of Cakobau Colonial Fiji Fiji since 1970 Main article Constitutional crisis of 1977 Coups of 1987 Coup of 2000 Main article Timeline - Mutinies Aftermath - Allegations Investigations - Trials Court Martial - Military unrest Reconciliation Commission Main article Supporters - Opponents Qualified positions Military opposition Religious reaction Military-church relations Foreign reaction Events since 2000 Military unrest, December 2005 The timeline below shows a thumbnail sketch of Fijian history, from ancient times to the present day. ... Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Fijis geography has made it both a destination and a crossroads for migrations for many centuries. ... The first three quarters of the Nineteenth Century were marked by tribal warfare, incursions from neighbouring Tonga, and the increasing encroachment of foreign powers. ... The United Kingdom turned down its first opportunity to annex Fiji in 1852. ... Since attaining independence from the United Kingdom on 10 October 1970, Fijian history has been marked by exponential economic growth up to 1987, followed by relative stagnation, caused to a large extent by political instability following two military coups in 1987 and a civilian putsch in 2000. ... Categories: Pages needing attention | Stub | Fiji-related stubs | History of Fiji | Politics of Fiji ... Fiji Coups of 1987 refers to the 1987 overthrow of the government of Fiji by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, then third in command of the Royal Fiji Military Forces. ... Timeline (2000-2001) May: 19, 20, 26, 27, 29, 30. ... Two military mutinies took place in connection with the civilian coup détat that rocked Fiji in 2000, the first while the rebellion instigated by George Speight was in progress, and the second four months after it had ended. ... The Constitution of Fiji, which had been abrogated by the Interim Military Government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama (who organized a counter-coup to neutralize the civilian coup détat instigated by George Speight in May 2000), was reinstated by the High Court on 15 November that year. ... Conspiracy theories abound concerning the Fiji coup of 2000, in which the elected government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry was deposed. ... A number of separate, but overlapping, investigations have been conducted by the police into various aspects of the 2000 coup. ... A number of prominent participants in the coup have been tried, and some convicted, in 2004 and 2005. ... The mutiny that took place at Fijis Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva on 2 November 2000, resulted in the death of four loyal soldiers. ... Following the quashing of George Speights civilian coup détat in 2000, the Military handed power over to a civilian administration led by the banker, Laisenia Qarase, who won the parliamentary election held to restore democracy in September 2001. ... The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which was introduced into the Fijian Parliament on May 4, 2005, is passed. ... The controversial legislation proposed by the Fijian government to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission has the strong support of Prime Minister Qarase, Attorney General Qoriniasi Bale, and other members of the ruling coalition. ... Most Fijian politicians outside of the government have come out against the legislation to establish a Commission with the power, subject to presidential approval, to pardon perpetrators and compensate victims of the coup détat against the elected government in 2000. ... In the midst of the strident public statements both for and against the legislation to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission with the power, subject to presidential approval, to compensate victims and pardon persons involved in the coup détat which deposed the elected government in May 2000, a number... Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, has been a vociferous and uncompromising critic of the governments proposal to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission, with the power to grant compensation to victims of the 2000 coup, and amnesty to perpetrators of it. ... Religion plays an important role in Fijian society. ... The Military of Fiji has always had a close relationship between the countrys churches, particularly the Methodist Church, to which some two-thirds of indigenous Fijians belong. ... The controversial Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill being promoted by the Fijian government throughout 2005 has generated enormous debate, both locally and internationally. ... The tension between Fijis government and Military forces appeared to escalate in late December 2005, with Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, challenging Home Affairs Minister Josefa Vosanibola and his Chief Executive Lesi Korovavala on 22 December to visit the Queen Elizabeth Barracks and...

The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry on 19 May 2000, the attempt by President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to assert executive authority on 27 May, and his own resignation, possibly forced, on 29 May. An interim government headed by Commodore Frank Bainimarama was set up, and handed power over to an interim administration headed by Ratu Josefa Iloilo, as President, on 13 July. Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (born 9 February 1942) is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and currently the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. ... May 19 is the 139th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (140th in leap years). ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (May 6, 1920 – April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... May 27 is the 147th day (148th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 218 days remaining. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... The military rank of Commodore is used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a flag officer. ... Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954), is the Commander of the Fijian military, who served as Head of the Interim Military Government from 29 May to 13 July 2000, when he handed power over to the newly-appointed President Ratu Josefa Iloilo. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilo Uluivuda (born December 29, 1920) is the President of Fiji. ... July 13 is the 194th day (195th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 171 days remaining. ...

The overthrow of the Chaudhry government

Parliamentary elections in May 1999 had resulted in a decisive victory for the Peoples Coalition, a multiracial grouping that was dominated by the predominantly Indo-Fijian Labour Party but which also included three parties supported mainly by indigenous Fijians. Mahendra Chaudhry had become the country's first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister. The general election to the Fijian House of Representatives, held in May 1999, was historic. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... The Peoples Coalition was an alliance of three political parties in Fiji, formed in March 1999 to contest the parliamentary election to be held in May that year. ... Indo-Fijian - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... The Fiji Labour Party is a political party in Fiji. ... Fijians are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands. ... Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (born 9 February 1942) is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and currently the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ...

The election result and Chaudhry's subsequent appointment as Prime Minister had angered hardline Fijian nationalists. His government's hints at land reform had caused further alarm, notwithstanding that indigenous ownership of five sixths of Fiji's land is guaranteed by a constitutional clause which cannot be amended without the agreement of 9 of the 14 Senators appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs. When a group led by George Speight, a businessman who had been declared bankrupt following the cancellation of several contracts by the Chaudhry government, entered Parliament buildings on 19 May 2000, disaffected elements of the Fijian population rallied to his side. For 56 days, Prime Minister Chaudhry and most of his cabinet, along with many Parliamentarians and their staff, were held as hostages while Speight attempted to negotiate with the President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who denounced the coup and declared a state of emergency, and with the military administration which took office on 29 May. Background The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands dates from 1997. ... The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. ... The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. ... George Speight George Speight, occasionally known as Ilikimi Naitini (born 1957), was the principal instigator of the Fiji coup of 2000, in which he kidnapped thirty-six government officials and held them from May 19, 2000 to July 13, 2000. ... Fijis Parliament is bicameral. ... May 19 is the 139th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (140th in leap years). ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (May 6, 1920 – April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ...

On 26 May, fifteen soldiers and two officers defected to the rebels, and the following day, gunfire was exchanged. In a move which constitutional experts have described as of questionable constitutionality, Mara dismissed the government from office (for being "unable to act,") prorogued Parliament for six months, and assumed executive authority himself. In doing so, he claimed to be following the advice of the Chief Justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaga, but he refused to abrogate the constitution, which Tuivaga also advised. Mara admitted that his actions were at the very edge of constitutionality, but said he believed they were within that boundary and necessary. May 26 is the 146th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (147th in leap years). ... (Redirected from 27 May) May 27 is the 147th day (148th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 218 days remaining. ... The Chief Justice is Fijis highest judicial officer. ... Sir Timoci Uluiburotu Tuivaga (born 21 October 1931) is a Fijian judge, who served as Chief Justice from 1974 to 1 August 2002, when he retired. ...

Alleged motives for the coup

Speight's claims to be a Fijian nationalist and a champion of indigenous rights attracted support from certain elements of the Fijian population who were angered by the results of the 1999 election, which had swept away a government dominated by ethnic Fijians and brought to power a multiracial government led by Mahendra Chaudhry, who became Fiji's first-ever Indo-Fijian Prime Minister. Hints that the Chaudhry government might institute some form of land reform also generated considerable resentment among sections of the indigenous population, despite Constitutional guarantees that ethnic Fijian ownership of 83 percent of the land could not be changed without the support of 9 of the 14 Senators appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs, a wholly indigenous body. The leadup to the coup had seen certain politicians and other public figures play upon this resentment and foster public fear that native land might be alienated. Speight thus found sizeable number of sympathizers when he launched his putsch on 19 May. Fijians are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... The general election to the Fijian House of Representatives, held in May 1999, was historic. ... Fijians are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands. ... A mixed-race Asian / Caucasian boy The terms multiracial, biracial, and mixed-race describe people whose ancestors are not of a single race. ... Indo-Fijian - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Land reform (also agrarian reform although that can have a broader meaning) is the government-initiated or government-backed redistribution of — i. ... The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. ... The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. ... May 19 is the 139th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (140th in leap years). ...

Speight proceeded to appoint a "Cabinet". He initially named himself President, before appointing Ratu Jope Seniloli to the post two days later. Ratu Timoci Silatolu was appointed Prime Minister, downgraded to Deputy Prime Minister two days later, when Speight himself was named to the post by Seniloli. Other appointments included Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as Minister for Fijian Affairs, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure as Minister for Home Affairs, and Simione Kaitani, Isireli Leweniqila, Levani Tonitonivanua, Berenado Vunibobo, Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto and Ratu Inoke Kubuabola as Ministers without portfolio. Some, including Seniloli, Lalabalavu, and Vakalalabure have since been convicted of coup-related offences, but whether all of the others had consented to their ministerial "appointments" as announced by Speight is not known. Fiji has the Westminster system - executive authority is vested nominally in a President, but exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers, presided over by the Prime Minister. ... Ratu Jope Seniloli Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born 1939) was the Vice-President of Fiji from 25 March 2001 to 29 November 2004, when he was forced to resign following his conviction for treason on August 6, 2004, and the rejection of his appeal early in November. ... Timoci Silatolu, sometimes known by his chiefly title of Ratu, is a former Fijian politician who is currently serving a life sentence for treason in connection with his role in the coup détat which deposed the government, of which he was a part, in 2000. ... Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is a Fijian high chief and politician, who was the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, prior to his resignation on 7 April 2005. ... The Minister for Fijian Affairs is the Cabinet Minister responsible for the preservation of Fijian culture and for the economic and social development of indigenous Fijians. ... Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure is a Fijian politician. ... Simione Kaitani Simione Kaitani is a Fijian politician, who is currently the Minister for Transport and Shipping. ... Hon. ... Ratu Tuuakitau Cokanauto Ratu Tuuakitau George Cokanauto (born 5 June 1945) is a Fijian chief and politician. ... Categories: Fijian politicians | Stub ...

Claims have been made that Fijian nationalism may have been nothing more than a political ploy to attract supporters to what was, in reality, a personal grab for money and power on the part of Speight and his co-conspirators. During the 1990s, Speight had built up a modestly successful marketing business, but many contracts were lost after the Chaudhry government came to power in 1999. Charging corruption, Chaudhry revoked the contracts of two marketing firms, both chaired by Speight, that were involved in the country's lucrative timber trade, and by the time of the coup. he was allegedly bankrupt. Several of his accomplices were undischarged bankrupts also. Conspiracy theories hold that the real motive for the coup was to loot the treasury. Ratu Isireli Vuibau, the deposed Assistant Minister for Fijian Affairs, declared on 31 August 2000, after the rebellion was over, that many of those involved with Speight had links to the Timber Resource Group, comprising Fijian politicians who were investors in Speight's Timber Resource Management Limited company, which had interests in pine, mahogany, and hardwood. He said these politicians had joined Speight against the government when their proposals were rejected. "Indigenous Fijians were used but little did they know that the coup was for a little group here and abroad," Ratu Vuibau said. The 1990s refers to the years 1990 to 1999; the last decade of the 20th Century, but in an economical sense The Nineties is often considered to span from the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 to the September 11 attacks in 2001. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... This proposed logo for a U.S. government agency was dropped due to fears that its pseudo-Masonic symbolism would provoke conspiracy theories. ... August 31 is the 243rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (244th in leap years), with 122 days remaining, as the final day of August. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Species About 115. ... Genera and Species Entandophragma - Sapele - Utile or African Mahogany Guarea - Pink Mahogany Khaya - Ivory Coast Mahogany - Senegal Mahogany Swietenia - Honduras Mahogany - West Indian Mahogany Toona - Indian Mahogany - Chinese Mahogany The name Mahogany was first used in the New World for three trees of the genus Swietenia, namely (West Indian Mahogany... Beech is a typical temperate zone hardwood The term hardwood designates wood from angiosperm trees. ...

Mahendra Chaudhry has supported the view that ethnic nationalism was only a mask to gain the support of nationalist Fijians, and that the true purpose was to loot the treasury. He has alleged in court papers and on his party's website that some of those who helped to finance and support certain aspects of the coup, such as the mutiny that took place at the Sukunaivalu Barracks in Labasa on 7 July 2000, were, in fact, Indo-Fijians. Another view sees the rebellion as one supported by a very disparate group of individuals, all for diverse reasons for their own. Labasa is a town in Fiji with a population of approximately 25,000 as of 1996. ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 177 days remaining. ... This article is about the year 2000. ...

The resignation of President Mara

Two days later, on 29 May 2000, Mara resigned in circumstances that are still a matter of debate five years later. Following orchestrated threats to his life and his family, he was evacuated to a naval vessel where a delegation including Armed Forces Commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Police Commissioner Isikia Savua, Great Council of Chiefs Chairman and former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (who had instigated two earlier coups in 1987), and his own son-in-law, Ratu Epeli Ganilau (a former Army commander) met him and pressed him to abrogate the constitution. He refused, and resigned. May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... This article is about the year 2000. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of only 3500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... The military rank of Commodore is used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a flag officer. ... Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954), is the Commander of the Fijian military, who served as Head of the Interim Military Government from 29 May to 13 July 2000, when he handed power over to the newly-appointed President Ratu Josefa Iloilo. ... The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. ... The Great Council of Chiefs The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a formal assembly of Fijis senior hereditary chiefs, along with some representatives of the national government and provincial councils, who may or may not be hereditary chiefs themselves. ... Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, OBE, (born September 13, 1948) is best known as the instigator of two military coups that shook Fiji in 1987. ... Fiji Coups of 1987 refers to the 1987 overthrow of the government of Fiji by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, then third in command of the Royal Fiji Military Forces. ... 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ratu Epeli Ganilau (born 10 October 1951) is a Fijian soldier and statesman, who served as Chairman of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) from 2001 to 2004. ...

Whether or not Mara's resignation was forced remains (as of 2005) the subject of a police investigation. Some, including Mahendra Chaudhry, believe that he was forcibly deposed. However, Mara's daughter Adi Ateca Ganilau, who is married to Ratu Ganilau, maintains that her father chose to resign and subsequently refused to be reinstated because he was upset at the abrogation of the constitution. 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Adi Ateca Ganilau with her husband, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, welcoming Fijian soldiers returning from peacekeeping duties in East Timor, June 2005 Adi Ateca Ganilau (born 1951) is a Fijian public figure, best known as the eldest daughter of the former Prime Minister and President, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. ...

Almost a year later, Mara publicly accused the police chief, Colonel Isikia Savua and former Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, of instigating the coup. In an interview with Close-Up on Fiji Television on 29 April 2001, he claimed that Speight (who was then in custody and has since been convicted of treason) was only a front. Mara said that he had confronted Savua and Rabuka two days after the coup about their possible involvement. "I could see it in their faces," said Mara, emphatically rejecting their denials. Mara told the programme that within half an hour of Speight's forcible occupation of the Parliament, Rabuka had telephoned Government House (the official residence of the President) to offer to form a government. Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, OBE, (born September 13, 1948) is best known as the instigator of two military coups that shook Fiji in 1987. ... Fiji Television Limited is Fijis television network. ... April 29 is the 119th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (120th in leap years). ... 2001: A Space Odyssey. ...

Mara said that he was shocked to learn that the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit of the Army had been involved in the coup. He alleged that they took George Speight to Parliament, and that their senior officers supplied them with weapons, blankets, and food. Mara also declared that the Counter Revolutionary Warfare officers who joined Speight's coup had trained on a farm owned by Rabuka. George Speight George Speight, occasionally known as Ilikimi Naitini (born 1957), was the principal instigator of the Fiji coup of 2000, in which he kidnapped thirty-six government officials and held them from May 19, 2000 to July 13, 2000. ...

The Interim Military Government

Commodore Bainimarama announced on radio and television that he had taken over the government, and declared martial law at 6pm. He abrogated the constitution on 30 May, and proceeded to appoint an interim government. He initially nominated Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (a son-in-law of Mara's and the husband of Adi Koila Nailatikau, who was one of Speight's hostages) as Prime Minister, but withdrew the nomination the next day. It was not until 4 July that he actually appointed a Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase (who remains in office as of 2005). Rebels, still holding hostages, staged a number of incidents around the country, cutting off Suva's power supply on 6 July, and overrunning an army base on Vanua Levu Island and exchanging fire with the military in Suva the next day. Martial law is the system of rules that takes effect (usually after a formal declaration) when a military authority takes control of the normal administration of justice. ... May 30 is the 150th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (151st in leap years). ... Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (born 1941) is a Fijian politician. ... Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau is a Fijian lawyer, who has served as a career diplomat and politician. ... July 4 is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 180 days remaining. ... Laisenia Qarase (born February 4, 1941) is the Prime Minister of Fiji. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Suva is the capital of Fiji. ... July 6 is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 178 days remaining. ... Vanua Levu is the second largest island of Fiji, and was formerly known as Sandalwood Island. ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 177 days remaining. ...

The Iloilo administration

The interim military government signed an accord with Speight on 9 July, granting him immunity from prosecution and a review of the constitution in return for the release of the hostages. Nine were freed on 12 July, and the others, including Chaudhry, on the 13th. Ratu Josefa Iloilo was sworn in as President the same day, with Ratu Jope Seniloli as Vice-President. The appointment of Seniloli, a supporter of the rebels who had sworn himself in as President at Speight's behest, was seen as a gesture of appeasement to the rebel forces. July 9 is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 175 days remaining. ... July 12 is the 193rd day (194th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 172 days remaining. ... (Redirected from 13 July) July 13th is the 194th day (195th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 171 days remaining. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilo Uluivuda (born December 29, 1920) is the President of Fiji. ... Ratu Jope Seniloli Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born 1939) was the Vice-President of Fiji from 25 March 2001 to 29 November 2004, when he was forced to resign following his conviction for treason on August 6, 2004, and the rejection of his appeal early in November. ... The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. ...

On 27 July, Speight was arrested. The government reneged on the accord granting Speight immunity from prosecution, with Bainimarama saying that the military had signed it "under duress." July 27 is the 208th day (209th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 157 days remaining. ...

The Queen Elizabeth Barracks mutiny

• See main article: Fiji coup of 2000:Mutinies

A second attempt by hardline elements to seize power took place on 2 November that year, when rebel soldiers mutinied at at Suva's Queen Elizabeth Barracks. The mutiny resulted in the death of four loyal soldiers. Four rebels were subsequently beaten to death after the mutiny had been quelled. Bainimarama accused Rabuka of involvement, but as of April 2005, Rabuka has not been charged. November 2 is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 59 days remaining. ... Suva is the capital of Fiji. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Aftermath

• See main articles: Fiji coup of 2000:Aftermath, Fiji coup of 2000:Investigations, Fiji coup of 2000:Trials

On November 15, the High Court declared that the interim government was illegal. Mara remained the lawful President; Parliament had not been dissolved but only suspended, and should now be reconvened, and by implication, Chaudhry remained the lawful Prime Minister. As Mara had not been performing his duties, however, Iloilo had been rightly exercising the prerogatives of the office in his place. Mara subsequently resigned officially, with his resignation backdated to 29 May. The Qarase government appealed the court ruling; on 1 March 2001, the Court of Appeal confirmed the High Court decision reinstating the constitution. The government accepted the decision. November 15 is the 319th day of the year (320th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 46 days remaining. ... The High Court of Fiji is independent of the legislative and executive branches of the acting government. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... March 1 is the 60th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (61st in leap years). ... 2001: A Space Odyssey. ... The Court of Appeal of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the High Court and the Supreme Court. ...

An estimated 7500 jobs were lost because of the coup.

See also:

• Fiji coup of 2000 (main article)
• Fiji coup of 2000:Timeline
• Fiji coup of 2000:Mutinies
• Fiji coup of 2000:Aftermath
• Fiji coup of 2000:Investigations
• Fiji coup of 2000:Allegations
• Fiji coup of 2000:Trials
• Fiji coup of 2000:Court Martial
• Fiji coup of 2000:Subsequent military unrest