Laisenia Qarase

Born 1941 Educated Suva Boys Grammar School Commerce degree from University of Auckland 1983 - managing director Fiji Development Bank 1998 -head of Fiji Merchant Bank July 2000 - appointed interim prime minister

Just over one year later, Mr Qarase, an ethnic Fijian, has demonstrated his political acumen by winning office at the head of his own newly created party, the nationalist Soqoso Duavata ni Lewenivuana, taking 31 out of 71 parliamentary seats.

His campaign focused on indigenous Fijians' fears of political domination by the minority ethnic-Indian population which already controls much of the islands' economic life.

The softly spoken former banker first spelled out his programme in July 2000 when he issued his blueprint to move Fiji forward from the political coup, promising political priority for native Fijians and affirmative action to advance and accelerate their development.

But he insisted no one will be disenfranchised or excluded in his planning a common future. He said ethnic Indians, who make up 44% of the population, would not be left out in the cold when the new constitution was drawn up.

Ailing economy

Until last year, Mr Qarase, 59, had been better known as a banker than as a politician.

Mahendra Chaudhry - rejected by Fiji's voters

His career has seen him managing the Fiji Development Bank before leaving public service in 1998 to head the Merchant Bank of Fiji.

One year later he became a senator, nominated by Fiji's powerful Great Council of Chiefs.

Before the May 2000 coup, Mr Qarase was a constant critic of the government of ethnic-Indian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

As a banker he is acutely aware of the detrimental effect the coup has had on the country's economy.

Fiji's economy has been undermined by the crisis, with sugar production halted, tourist resorts closed and thousands of jobs lost following trade bans.