Fiji Army chief restores president to power

Thursday’s developments open the path for Iloilo to appoint an interim government that will steer the country to the next general election, but they do not significantly alter the military’s hold on power.

“I now hand over executive authority to the president,” Bainimarama told a national address. “We trust his wisdom and believe that he will exercise his executive power with resolve.”

Under Fiji’s constitution, the president has largely ceremonial powers, including signing bills and appointing officials on the advice of the prime minister. Bainimarama’s appointments still control all key decision-making posts in Fiji.

The military ruler’s decision to reinstate Iloilo comes after a monthlong tussle with the country’s influential tribal council of elders, which appoints the president.

The Great Council of Chiefs refused to recognise Bainimarama following the coup, steadfastly maintaining that Iloilo and Prime Minister Qarase remained in power.