Penaia Ganilau

Political career

In 1963, in the first elections in which ethnic Fijians voted directly, Ganilau was elected to the Legislative Council, the precursor to the modern Fijian Parliament. When responsible government was instituted in 1967, he was appointed Minister for Fijian Affairs and Local Government, serving until 1970. He subsequently served as Minister for Home Affairs, Lands and Mineral Resources from 1970 to 1972, when he became Minister for Communications, Works and Tourism. In 1973, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, a position he was to hold for the next decade; during this time, he also served as Minister for Home Affairs (1975-1983) and as Minister for Fijian Affairs and Rural Development (1977-1983). In 1983 he became Governor-General.

Related Topics:
1963 - Ethnic Fijians - Legislative Council - Parliament - Responsible government - 1967 - Minister for Fijian Affairs - 1970 - 1972 - 1973 - 1975 - 1983 - Minister for Fijian Affairs - 1977

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~