Contexts - Rough Guide to Fiji - page 315

minority groups. The general voters tended to vote for indigenous Fijian candidates, so Fiji-
Indian dominance was held in check.
Full independence from Britain was granted on October 10, 1970, ending 96 years of colo-
nial rule. The Alliance Party, headed by Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of the Lau Group, ruled
the nation for the first seventeen years of independence and set in motion policies to priorit-
ize Fijian affairs over those of the Indian population. The most contentious policy of the era
was to restrict land leases to a maximum thirty-year tenure.
The four coups
Simmering ethnic tension, a large, well-funded military and a relatively recent transition to
democracy have seen Fiji experience four coups since independence. Although all were re-
latively peaceful in nature, they have permanently altered the political landscape and caused
immense damage to Fiji's international reputation.
COUP CAST LIST
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Lauan high chief and leader of the Alliance Party, which ruled
Fiji from 1970 to 1987. Accused of being behind the first coup of 1987.
Dr Timoci Bavadra Ethnic Fijian from western Viti Levu and founder of the multiracial
Fiji Labour Party. Served as prime minister for one month before being ousted by the
Rabuka coup.
Sitiveni Rabuka Ethnic Fijian and colonel in the Fiji Military Forces. Carried out Fiji's
first military-led coup in May 1987 and was suspiciously silent during the 2000 coup
events.
Mahendra Chaudhry Ethnic Indian leader of the Fiji Labour Party, which defeated
Rabuka in the 1999 general elections. Appointed as minister of finance in 2007.
George Speight Fijian businessman who stormed parliament with rebel militants on May
19, 2000, holding Chaudhry and 35 government officials hostage for almost two months.
Laisenia Qarase Ethnic Fijian banker appointed by Bainimarama as interim prime minis-
ter in 2000. Introduced contentious ethnically-biased parliamentary bills favouring ethnic
Fijians. Removed from power in a coup led by Bainimarama on Dec 5, 2006 after a year of
continuous political tension.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama Commander of the Fiji Military Force (FMF) and cur-
rently interim prime minister following his coup of 2006.
Rabuka and the first two coups, 1987
Ratu Mara's Alliance Party dominated Fijian politics in the post-independence years.
However, in 1987 a coalition of the Fiji-Indian-supported Labour Party and the Fijian break-