Fiji military warns new PM’s government against making ‘sweeping changes’

Commander claims trying and failing to democratise' country can jeopardise national security, just over a month after hotly contested elections

Fiji's military chief has warned MPs against making sweeping changes", less than a month after contested elections that removed the government of Frank Bainimarama, who ruled the Pacific island for 16 years after taking power in a coup.

Under Fiji's constitution - adopted in 2013 - the military has wide powers to intervene in politics. The new government - under the control of prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka - has said that reviewing the constitution is one of its immediate priorities.