By Phil Mercer BBC correspondent in Sydney

Qarase says the coalition cabinet will be unworkable

Mr Qarase's government took office almost two years ago in an election that restored democracy following an armed coup in May 2000.

The court will rule if Mr Qarase should, as Fiji's constitution insists he must, include members of the Indian-dominated opposition Labour Party in his cabinet.

The prime minister has resisted calls to give his rivals position in government, claiming it would be unworkable.

Snap elections?

But the constitution says he must, as a way of promoting multi-racial government and harmony.

The coup in 2000 deeply divided the Pacific island along racial lines

The document states that the larger opposition parties must have representation in cabinet in proportion to how well they do at the polls.

Therefore, the Labour Party, led by Mahendra Chaudhry, is entitled to almost 40% of seats at the top table of government.

Mr Qarase has insisted he would not be able to work with the opposition because its policies are so different that any partnership would end up in deadlock.

Mr Qarase would probably call a snap election if the Supreme Court decision goes against him.

Coup wounds

He has made it clear his long-term aim is to dismantle the multi-racial constitution in favour of measures giving indigenous Fijians complete political control.

It is more than three years since Mahendra Chaudhry was deposed by nationalist gunmen led by George Speight, who was later jailed for life for treason.

Mr Chaudhry was Fiji's first ethnic Indian prime minister.