In June 1871, Ratu Seru Cakobau, Fiji’s paramount chief, established the first western style form Government in Fiji at Levuka. This led to the establishment of the first parliamentary type body in Fiji, the Legislative Assembly, consisting of indigenous Fijian Chiefs and early European Settlers, which was opened in November 1871.

In October 1874 Fiji was proclaimed a British Colony and was subsequently administered by a Governor General, through the Legislative Council, as a possession and dependant of the British Crown.

In 1964, the Membership System of Government was first introduced in Fiji with elections for Members of the Legislative Council who were given specific portfolios.

In July 1965, a constitutional conference was held in London to discuss further progress towards independence and self-government. A ministerial system of government was introduced in Fiji in 1967 and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was appointed the Chief Minister with the Executive Council of the Legislative Council becoming the Council of Ministers.

In April 1970, Fiji’s Legislative Council, led by the Chief Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara met in London to discuss framing a new constitution and a move towards independence.

On 10 October 1970 Fiji gained independence from Great Britain and established itself as a parliamentary democracy. As a former British Colony, Fiji adopted a bicameral Westminster Model parliamentary system. On 27 November 1970 the Governor General Sir Robert Sidney Foster, G.C.M.G., K.C.V.O, addressed a joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate to officially open Fiji’s first ever Parliament.

Government Buildings, Suva