Dominion of Fiji
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Fiji Viti ( Fiji Hindi ) | |||||||||
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1970–1987 | |||||||||
Motto: "Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui" "Fear God and honour the Queen" | |||||||||
Anthem: God Bless Fiji | |||||||||
Capital | Suva 18°10′S 178°27′E / 18.167°S 178.450°E | ||||||||
Common languages | English iTaukei (Fijian) Fiji Hindi Rotuman | ||||||||
Government | Constitutional monarchy | ||||||||
Monarch | |||||||||
• 1970–1987 | Elizabeth II | ||||||||
Governor-General | |||||||||
• 1970–1973 | Sir Robert Sidney Foster | ||||||||
• 1973–1983 | Ratu Sir George Cakobau | ||||||||
• 1983–1987 | Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau | ||||||||
Prime Minister | |||||||||
• 1970–1987 | Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara | ||||||||
• 1987 | Timoci Bavadra | ||||||||
Legislature | Parliament | ||||||||
Senate | |||||||||
House of Representatives | |||||||||
Historical era | Cold War | ||||||||
• Independence | 10 October 1970 | ||||||||
• Republic proclaimed | 6 October 1987 | ||||||||
Currency | Fijian dollar | ||||||||
Calling code | 679 | ||||||||
ISO 3166 code | FJ | ||||||||
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Today part of | Fiji |
History of Fiji |
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Early history |
Modern history |
Coup of 2000 |
Proposed Reconciliation Commission |
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Crisis of 2005–2006 |
Coup of 2006 |
Fiji
During this time, Fiji's highest court was the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which was above the Supreme Court of Fiji in the Fijian judicial system.
History
Decolonisation
After the
These steps towards self-rule were welcomed by the
A constitutional conference was held in London in July 1965, to discuss constitutional changes with a view to introducing responsible government. Indo-Fijians, led by A. D. Patel, demanded the immediate introduction of full self-government, with a fully elected legislature, to be elected by universal suffrage on a common voters' roll. These demands were vigorously rejected by the ethnic Fijian delegation, who still feared loss of control over natively owned land and resources should an Indo-Fijian dominated government come to power. The British made it clear, however, that they were determined to bring Fiji to self-government and eventual independence. Realising that they had no choice, Fiji's chiefs decided to negotiate for the best deal they could get.
A series of compromises led to the establishment of a cabinet system of government in 1967, with
With this compromise, Fiji became independent on 10 October 1970.
Coups
Following the election of the ethnically
"With humble duty, I wish to submit to you the following advice, acting in my capacity as your representative in Fiji. Owing to the uncertainty of the political and constitutional situation in Fiji, I have now made up my mind to request Your Majesty to relieve me of my appointment as Governor-General with immediate effect. This I do with utmost regret, but my endeavours to preserve constitutional government in Fiji have proved in vain, and I can see no alternative way forward. With deepest respect, Penaia Ganilau, Governor-General."
Following the establishment of the Republic of Fiji, former Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau became the first President of Fiji, in December 1987.
Fiji was then declared to have been expelled from the Commonwealth - but this was reversed in 1997 when a new Constitution was enacted.
Politics
The following Governors-General held office:
- Sir Robert Sidney Foster 10 October 1970 – 13 February 1973
- Ratu Sir George Cakobau 13 February 1973 – 12 February 1983
- Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau 12 February 1983 – 6/15 October 1987
The following held office as prime minister (and head of government):
- Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara 10 October 1970 – 13 April 1987
- Timoci Bavadra 13 April 1987 – 14 May 1987 - overthrown
Elizabeth II visited Fiji before its independence in 1953, 1963 and March 1970, and after independence in 1973, 1977 and 1982.
Notes
- British Crown, but the official name of the state was simply "Fiji".[1] The term Dominion was deprecated by 1970[1] in favour of Commonwealth realm.[2]
Citations
- ^
- ISBN 9780198702436p. 35.
- ISBN 9780190934781 p. 89.
References
- "Fiji: Polity Style: 1970-2017". Archontology.org. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
- "Fiji: Governors-General: 1970-1987". Archontology.org. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
- Ben Cahoon. "Fiji". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 26 January 2017.