Fiji's President Ratu Josefa Iloilo declared the country's constitution null and void during a televised address on April 9, 2009, proclaiming himself head of state and assuming all governance power. Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama simultaneously stepped down. The decision was made in reaction to a court ruling that proclaimed Iloilo's interim government, established in a 2006 coup led by military strongman Bainimarama, illegal. The following day, Bainimarama returned to power as PM, declaring a 30-day state of emergency that curtailed freedom of speech and the press.Associated Press: Fiji military chief returns to prime minister post (April 10, 2009)
2006 Coup
In December 2006, Frank Bainimarama led a coup against Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, who he himself had installed during a 2000 coup, citing government corruption. Bainimarama became the interim president, effectively destroying the country's parliament. He later restored executive power to Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
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Fast Facts
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On April 9, 2009, Iloilo fired three judges whom ruled that the 2006 coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama's was illegal
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Revoked all judicial appointments
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President Iloilo annulled nation's constitution, appointed himself head of state
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As head of state, he said he woult appoint interim government to serve five years until September 2014 elections
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Believes five years "necessary" to guarantee reforms proposed by Bainimarama
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President claimed to have full support from Fiji security forces
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Bainimarama stepped down as interim prime minister following court decision
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