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Prime Minister of Fiji facts for kids

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Prime Minister of Fiji
Flag of Fiji.svg
Coat of arms of Fiji.svg
Sitiveni Rabuka 2020.jpg
Incumbent
Sitiveni Rabuka
since 24 December 2022
Style The Honourable
Member of Cabinet
Seat Government Buildings
Term length Four years
Precursor Chief Minister of Fiji
Inaugural holder Kamisese Mara
Formation 10 October 1970; 54 years ago (1970-10-10)
Deputy Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji
Salary FJ$ 320,000/US$ 145,100 annually


The Prime Minister of Fiji is like the main leader of the government in Fiji. They are chosen according to Fiji's 2013 Constitution. The Prime Minister leads the Cabinet, which is a group of top government officials. They also choose and remove other ministers.

What the Prime Minister Does

Fiji used to be a British colony. Because of this, Fiji uses a government style similar to Britain's, called the Westminster system. In this system, the government's executive branch (the part that carries out laws) is responsible to the Parliament (the part that makes laws).

Under Fiji's 2013 Constitution, the Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party that wins more than half of the seats in Parliament. If no party wins a clear majority, then the Parliament members vote to choose the Prime Minister.

Even though the Prime Minister is sometimes called "first among equals" (meaning their vote in Cabinet meetings is equal to other ministers), in reality, the Prime Minister has a lot of power. They are the main leader of the government and appoint other ministers.

History of the Prime Minister's Role

Fiji got its independence from Britain on October 10, 1970. On that day, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara became Fiji's first Prime Minister. Before this, he was Fiji's only Chief Minister starting in 1967, when Fiji was still a British colony.

Mara's first time as Prime Minister lasted until April 13, 1987. He came back for a second time on December 5, 1987, and served until June 2, 1992. As of 2014, Kamisese Mara has been the longest-serving Prime Minister of Fiji.

Past Prime Ministers of Fiji (1970–Present)

Since gaining independence, Fiji has had several Prime Ministers. Each one has played a part in shaping the country's history. Here are some of the key leaders who have held this important position:

  • Kamisese Mara (1970–1987, 1987–1992): Fiji's first Prime Minister, he led the country into independence and served for many years.
  • Timoci Bavadra (1987): Served for a short time before a military takeover.
  • Sitiveni Rabuka (1992–1999, 2022–present): A former military leader who later became Prime Minister. He returned to the role in 2022.
  • Mahendra Chaudhry (1999–2000): Fiji's first Prime Minister of Indian descent.
  • Tevita Momoedonu (2000, 2001): Served two very short terms.
  • Laisenia Qarase (2000–2001, 2001–2006): Led the government for several years in the early 2000s.
  • Jona Senilagakali (2006–2007): Served as an interim Prime Minister.
  • Frank Bainimarama (2007–2022): A former military commander who became Prime Minister and served for a long period.

Images for kids

  • Kamisese Mara

    Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji's first Prime Minister.

  • Bavadra in Sydney, April 1988 (cropped)

    Timoci Bavadra, who served briefly in 1987.

  • Mahendra Chaudhry 2015

    Mahendra Chaudhry, Fiji's first Prime Minister of Indian descent.

  • Fiji 2004 Mr Qarase (cropped)

    Laisenia Qarase, who served two terms as Prime Minister.

  • Bainimarama 2014

    Frank Bainimarama, who served as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2022.

  • Frank Bainimarama November 2014

    Frank Bainimarama in 2014.

See also

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