Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (4 May 1920 – 18 May 2004) was the first President of Fiji, serving from 1987 to 1993 and again from 1994 to 2000.
He was also the first Prime Minister of Fiji, serving from 1967 to 1987. Mara was a member of the Fijian chiefly class and played a leading role in the country’s independence movement. He was born in Somosomo, Taveuni, Fiji, to Ratu Edward Cakobau and Adi Lady Lala Mara. Mara was educated at the Queen Victoria School and at the University of Auckland. After graduating, he worked as a teacher and a civil servant.
Mara was elected to the Legislative Council in 1959 and served as Chief Minister from 1963 to 1967. He became Prime Minister in 1967 and led Fiji to independence in 1970. As Prime Minister, Mara pursued a policy of racial harmony and economic development. He also played a leading role in the formation of the South Pacific Forum.
In 1987, Mara was overthrown in a military coup led by Sitiveni Rabuka. Mara was restored to power in 1990, but he resigned in 1992 after a second coup. He was elected President in 1993 and served until 2000, when he was overthrown in a third coup. Mara died in 2004 at the age of 84.
Backgrounds and History
- Born in Somosomo, Taveuni, Fiji on 4 May 1920.
- Belonged to the Fijian chiefly class.
- Educated at the Queen Victoria School and at the University of Auckland.
- Worked as a teacher and a civil servant before entering politics.
Ethnicity
- Fijian.
Achievements
- Led Fiji to independence in 1970.
- Pursued a policy of racial harmony and economic development.
- Played a leading role in the formation of the South Pacific Forum.
- Served as President of Fiji from 1987 to 1993 and again from 1994 to 2000.
Legacy
- Known as the “Father of the Nation” in Fiji.
- Respected for his leadership and commitment to democracy.
- Remembered as a symbol of unity and reconciliation in Fiji.
Popular fact
- Mara was a keen sportsman and played rugby union for Fiji.
![Fiji ( FEE-jee, fee-JEE; Fijian: Viti, [ˈβitʃi]; Fiji Hindi: फ़िजी, Fijī), officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) north-northeast of New Zealand. Fiji consists of an archipelago of more than 330 islands—of which about 110 are permanently inhabited—and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of about 18,300 square kilometres (7,100 sq mi). The most outlying island group is Ono-i-Lau. About 87% of the total population of 924,610 live on the two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. About three-quarters of Fijians live on Viti Levu's coasts, either in the capital city of Suva, or in smaller urban centres such as Nadi (where tourism is the major local industry) or Lautoka (where the sugar-cane industry is dominant). The interior of Viti Levu is sparsely inhabited because of its terrain.The majority of Fiji's islands were formed by volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago. Some geothermal activity still occurs today on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The geothermal systems on Viti Levu are non-volcanic in origin and have low-temperature surface discharges (of between roughly 35 and 60 degrees Celsius (95 and 140 °F)).
Humans have lived in Fiji since the second millennium BC—first Austronesians and later Melanesians, with some Polynesian influences. Europeans first visited Fiji in the 17th century. In 1874, after a brief period in which Fiji was an independent kingdom, the British established the Colony of Fiji. Fiji operated as a Crown colony until 1970, when it gained independence and became known as the Dominion of Fiji. In 1987, following a series of coups d'état, the military government that had taken power declared it a republic. In a 2006 coup, Commodore Frank Bainimarama seized power. In 2009, the Fijian High Court ruled that the military leadership was unlawful. At that point, President Ratu Josefa Iloilo, whom the military had retained as the nominal head of state, formally abrogated the 1997 Constitution and re-appointed Bainimarama as interim prime minister. Later in 2009, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau succeeded Iloilo as president. On 17 September 2014, after years of delays, a democratic election took place. Bainimarama's FijiFirst party won 59.2% of the vote, and international observers deemed the election credible.Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific through its abundant forest, mineral, and fish resources. The currency is the Fijian dollar, with the main sources of foreign exchange being the tourist industry, remittances from Fijians working abroad, bottled water exports, and sugar cane. The Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development supervises Fiji's local government, which takes the form of city and town councils.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Flag_of_Fiji.svg)
Emblem of Fiji
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Ethiopia, Eswatini and Estonia. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Fiji President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Fiji’s History
Fiji is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Since gaining independence from the British Empire in 1970, the country has had several presidents who have played significant roles in shaping the nation. Here are ten of the most popular presidents from Fiji:
- Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (1970-2000): Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara served as the first president of Fiji from 1970 to 2000. He played a crucial role in the transition to independence and the development of the nation.
- Ratu Josefa Iloilo (2000-2009): Ratu Josefa Iloilo became the second president of Fiji in 2000. Despite his controversial role during the 2006 military coup, he was widely respected for his efforts in promoting national unity and development.
- Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (2009-2015): Ratu Epeli Nailatikau served as the president of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. He played a vital role in the nation’s reconciliation efforts and promoting a sense of national identity.
- Major General Jioji Konrote (2015-present): Major General Jioji Konrote is the current president of Fiji. He is a former military officer and has been actively involved in advocating for social welfare and development initiatives.
- Ratu Josefa Iloilo (2000-2009): Ratu Josefa Iloilo became the second president of Fiji in 2000. Despite his controversial role during the 2006 military coup, he was widely respected for his efforts in promoting national unity and development.
- Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (2009-2015): Ratu Epeli Nailatikau served as the president of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. He played a vital role in the nation’s reconciliation efforts and promoting a sense of national identity.
- Major General Jioji Konrote (2015-present): Major General Jioji Konrote is the current president of Fiji. He is a former military officer and has been actively involved in advocating for social welfare and development initiatives.
- Josefa Iloilo (2000-2009): Josefa Iloilo served as Fiji’s president for two consecutive terms, from 2000 to 2009. His tenure was marked by political unrest, including the 2006 military coup, but he was regarded as a unifying figure for the nation.
- Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (2009-2015): Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a former military officer, served as the president of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. He played a significant role in fostering national reconciliation and promoting social welfare initiatives.
- Major General Jioji Konrote (2015-present): Major General Jioji Konrote has been serving as the president of Fiji since 2015. He is known for his involvement in various social and development projects, particularly aimed at helping marginalized communities.
- Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (1970-2000): Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was Fiji’s first president and held office from 1970 until 2000. He played a pivotal role in leading the country to independence and guiding its early years as a sovereign nation.
These ten presidents have all left their mark on Fiji’s history and have played crucial roles in leading the nation. From the transition to independence to promoting national unity and development, each president has made unique contributions to Fiji’s growth and prosperity.
