Word: ganilau
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...elections in May this year, Evanson backed one of Bainimarama's associates, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, to run for government. Ganilau is a former military commander who successfully recommended Bainimarama to succeed him as head of Fiji's armed forces when he stepped down in 1999. Evanson declines to reveal how much he donated to Ganilau's National Alliance Party to run against the Qarase government, but some observers say it was a substantial sum in Fijian campaign funding. Ganilau's election bid failed, but he has remained influential in military affairs, telling TIME he has recently been advising Bainimarama...
...Earlier this month Ganilau told the Fiji Times that the coup was inspired by the Qarase government's divisive bills, particularly the Qoliqoli Bill and the Lands Tribunal Bill. "The long impasse has propelled the military," he said. "It [the coup] is an illegal act, but the lesser of two evils when you think about the endemic corruption and bad practices that have carried on during the reign of the former administration. I support the cleaning up, but not the means...
...Commander's stance has won support from some Fijian chiefs. They include former military commanders Ratu Epeli Ganilau, and Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who was recently appointed High Commissioner to the U.K. His wife, Senator Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, is the daughter of the late President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who was forced to step down in 2000; she herself was taken hostage by the rebels. All three deny rumors that they have been asked to serve in a potential alternative government. However, Ganilau told Time he has been talking to the military "when asked, on ceremonial matters." The split between...
...military strongman seized control hours after Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, who represents Queen Elizabeth II in the former British colony, announced an interim solution to the Pacific island chain's political problems. Ganilau proposed a caretaker government consisting of all major political groups pending new elections. But Rabuka said he would accept nothing less than permanent political control by ethnic Fijians, who constitute 47% of the population while ethnic Indians make...
...Great Council of Chiefs discussed the proposals for four days before accepting most of them. A 19-member advisory council was formed to help Ganilau run the country and review the constitution. New elections will be held within six months. Said Ganilau: "We are all eager to put everything behind us immediately so that we can return to the style of life and freedom that have characterized our nation...