IFES Election Guide - Country Profile: Fiji

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Parliamentary
September 2014

Fiji
Republic of Fiji Islands
Region: Asia & Pacific

Description of government structure:

Chief of State: President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU
Head of Government: Interim Prime Minister Voreqe (Frank) BAINIMARAMA **
Assembly: Fiji has a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate with 34 seats and the House of Representatives with 71 seats.

** Commander Frank BAINIMARAMA was sworn in as interim premier on January 5, 2007 by President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU, a month after Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE and his government were ousted from power in a military coup.

Description of electoral system:

The President is elected by the president on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs to serve a 5-year term.
Interim Prime Minister is appointed by the president.
In the Senate, 24 members are appointed by the president on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 members are appointed by the president and 1 members are nominated by the council of Rotuma. In the House of Representatives 71 members are elected by a majority system with preferential vote to serve 5-year terms.