Ganilau has strong connections to the faction of the Fijian chiefly elite associated with his late father-in-law, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji’s founding former prime minister who died in 2004.

The Guardian adds: "Bainimarama's idea then is not merely to move away from Fiji's colonial past but also to break down chiefly power — the source of his greatest opposition. This extends on ...