Fiji's President Revokes Constitution

Where: Suvo, Fiji

April 10, 2009 : Fiji’s Court of Appeal declared that President Ratu Josefa Iloilo’s military government was illegal. Three judges of the Court of Appeal ruled that the president should appoint an independent caretaker prime minister to dissolve Parliament and call a general election.

In retaliation, the President revoked the constitution and sacked the judges. He also declared a public emergency and decreed that fresh elections will not be held for five years. In 2006, the present regime had ousted the elected government and appointed an interim Government. The Court ruled that both actions were unconstitutional.

Australia and New Zealand condemned Iloilo’s move. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his “dismay” over the situation, and said these developments are a “clear rejection of the legal process”. Fiji, an island chain, has had a long history of internal tensions between ethnic Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities. Since 1987, there have been four military takeovers.

Related Links – If you want to know more about Fiji:
Fiji: Where is it? Click here to see it on the map
Fiji: Country profile
Fiji: Latest news about Fiji
Fiji: Images from Fiji
Fiji: More about Fiji

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