From the time of Fiji’s independence in 1970, the
country has struggled to adopt an electoral system
that adequately caters for its multi-ethnic society,
which is predominantly indigenous Fijian or IndoFijian.
The political struggle between the two main
ethnic groups, and within the ethnic groups, has
resulted in coups in 1987 (twice), 2000, and 2006.1
In the first 1987 coup, and again in 2000, the uprisings
were led by indigenous Fijian nationalists who
were opposed to recent election results and the
level of government power held by Indo-Fijians (in
2000, Fiji was led by its first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister,
Mahendra Chaudhry). As a result of the 2006
coup, Fiji continues to be under the control of a military
regime, led by Commodore Voreqe (Frank)
Bainimarama.