Fiji's military ruler disbanded the Great Council of Chiefs, a leadership tradition
on the Pacific island nation that dates back more than a century.
Prime Minister
Commodore Frank Bainimarama made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the Great Council
of Chiefs was a product of colonialism, and helped feed a climate of divisiveness.
The
council was first established as the ``Native Council'' under British colonial rule
in 1875. Most of its 55 chiefs inherited their positions, and the Council oversees
the vast network of local Fijian village chiefs, who collect taxes and provide services.
When
Bainimarama seized power in a 2006 coup, he took away much of the council’s power,
including appointing the country’s president and vice-president.