Analysis: Key role of Fiji's chiefs

Chiefs' backing is essential for coup supporters

The supreme tribal body of indigenous Fijians, Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) - or Great Council of Chiefs - has the power to determine the future of these Pacific islands.

Many Fijians are looking to the behind-closed-doors meeting of the BLV to reach a formula which will return stability to Fiji and smooth over the ethnic tensions that have exploded in recent days.

Rabuka: Former coup plotter became chiefs' chairman

The unelected body wields enormous influence across the islands, and its 14 nominees to the Senate effectively have the power of veto over legislation pertaining to the affairs of indigenous peoples, who make up 51% of the population.

The council also nominates the country's president and vice-president, thereby ensuring these positions are held by indigenous Fijians.

Coup leader George Speight and his supporters have promised to respect the judgement of the body.

Split fears

BLV is led by Sitveni Rabuka, the former military strongman and prime minister who led the successful 1987 coup which toppled another Indian-led government.

Tradition commands great respect among indigenous Fijians

He has expressed his approval of the aims behind Mr Speight's coup but said the methods were out of line.

There are fears of a split between a pro-Speight element among the chiefs and those backing President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who declared the coup illegal.

Such a split would be unprecedented in the BLV's history. Diplomatic sources describe it as a thoroughly august institution whose bywords are consensus based on mutual respect.

Colonial past

The BLV was originally made up of a handful of senior chiefs who met under the auspices of the colonial authorities to decide important issues pertaining to indigenous peoples.

It now comprises about 50 indigenous representatives, including ones from Fiji's 14 provinces, as well as nominees of the Fijian affairs minister and individuals co-opted by some BLV members.

Prime Minister Chaudhry: "Ethnically confrontational"

The chiefs played a key role after the 1987 coup, endorsing many of Mr Rabuka's policies to consolidate power among indigenous peoples.

But it went on to back constitutional reforms a decade later which allowed the election of an ethnic-Indian prime minister.

Observers say some of the chiefs were upset by what they saw as Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry confrontational approach towards inter-ethnic issues.

It is now the chiefs' difficult job to bring back a sense of balance.