Fiji's military chief monopolises power

Hopes that regional cajoling might finally send Fiji's military chief, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, to the ballot box died in April 2009 in what amounted to a second phase of his December 2006 coup. The moves, played out through ailing President Josefa Iloilo, came amid economic depression and concerns over civil and political liberties. Bainimarama, who overthrew a democratic government in December 2006, has said elections will not take place before 2014.

In the meantime, the 3,300-strong Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which suffered a bloody mutiny in 2000, remains divided and dangerous, and this is forcing Australia and New Zealand to reconsider their options.