Fiji becomes a republic.

In October 06, 1987. Fiji finally became a republic. It is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean. The Fijian Islands were given independence as a Dominion after the British rule which ended in 1970. The Republic of Fiji, has removed Elizabeth II as head of state which was proclaimed on 6 October 1987 after two military coups. Following the election of the Indian-dominated government of Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra on 13 April 1987, Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka carried out the first of two military coups on 14 May 1987. At first, Rabuka expressed loyalty to Queen Elizabeth II. However, Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, uphold Fiji’s constitution, refused to swear in the new government headed by Rabuka, and so Rabuka declared a republic on 6 October 1987. This was accepted by the British government on 15 October 1987, and Ganilau resigned on the same day.