- published: 12 Nov 2015
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The President of the Republic of Fiji is the head of state of Fiji. The President was appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term under the terms of the now-suspended 1997 constitution. The Great Council of Chiefs was constitutionally required to consult the Prime Minister, but this did 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. Within the chiefly hierarchy, however, the President holds a lower ranking than the Paramount Chief of Fiji, currently Elizabeth II, Ilisapeci-Na Radi ni Viti kei Peritania.
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 and later Fijian 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.
Fiji i/ˈfiːdʒiː/ (Fijian: Viti; Fiji Hindi: फ़िजी), officially the Republic of Fiji (Fijian: Matanitu ko Viti; Fiji Hindi: फ़िजी गणराज्यFijī Gaṇarājya), is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Its closest neighbours are Vanuatu to the west, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand's Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas, France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast and Tuvalu to the north.
The majority of Fiji's islands were formed through volcanic activity started around 150 million years ago. Today, some geothermal activity still occurs on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Fiji has been inhabited since the second millennium BC. The country comprises an archipelago of more than 332 islands, of which 110 are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of circa 18,300 square kilometres (7,100 sq mi). The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the population of almost 850,000. The former contains Suva, the capital and largest city. Most of Fijians live on Viti Levu's coasts, either in Suva or in smaller urban centres. Viti Levu's interior is sparsely inhabited due to its terrain.
Swearing In of New Fijian President, Jioji Konrote
Fijian President receives iTatau from Fiji Sevens Women and Men Team
Fijian President H.E Ratu Epeli Nailatikau reviews parade for 2015 Fiji Day celebrations
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama welcomes Chinese President
President Dares Fijians to Save the Planet
Fiji Mission President Appeal -TC WINSTON
FIJI: REBEL LEADER SPEIGHT TALKS WITH MILITARY
FIJI: MILITARY ACTIVITY AFTER SPEIGHT ARREST UPDATE
An Earth Hour Message from His Excellency the President of Fiji
Interview with Ratu Epeli Nailatikau President of Fiji
FIJI: NEW CABINET SWORN IN
David Ricanati, President of FIJI Water, Speech
Red guard is military guard for Fiji president house
Fijian traditional ceremony of welcome accorded to Bolivian President.