Template:Politics of Fiji
Fiji's Head of State is the President. He or she is appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term. The Great Council of Chiefs is constitutionally required to consult the Prime Minister, but this does not give the Prime Minister a veto, only the right to be consulted. Although not entirely a figurehead, the President's role in government is mostly ceremonial, but there are important reserve powers that may be exercised in the event of a crisis. In addition, the President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Presidential history
The presidential office was established following two military coups in 1987 that led to the proclamation of a republic on 7 October and severed the 113-year link with the British Monarchy. Major-General Sitiveni Rabuka, who had masterminded the coups, formed an Interim Military Government with himself as its head. He did not, however, take the title of President, and on 5 December appointed Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, the last Governor-General, as the first President of the republic.
A civilian putsch instigated by George Speight led to another constitutional upheaval in 2000. President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara resigned on 29 May rather than abrogate the Constitution, as the Military, supported by the Supreme Court, had asked. (Whether or not his resignation was forced is currently (2005) the subject of a police investigation). Commodore Frank Bainimarama took power as Head of the Interim Military Government (as had Rabuka in 1987), until Ratu Josefa Iloilo was appointed President on 13 July.
Interim Military Government
Presidents
Interim Military Government
President
fr:Liste des présidents des Fidji
pl:Prezydenci Fidżi
