Update: 11:35AM THE President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has abrogated the 1997 Constitution and appointed himself the Head of State.
In an address to the nation at 11.30am, he revoked all judicial appointments and announced that all existing laws remain.
He said he would appoint an interim government to rule for the next five years to implement the necessary reforms required for "true democratic and parliamentary elections".
He assured that he had the full backing of the country's security forces and he directed military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to "to take all reasonable steps" to ensure the maintenance of peace.
The President further explained that the five years was necessary in order for the interim government, which he would appoint over the next few days, to implement the reforms he had endorsed in the People's Charter for Peace, Change and Progress.
"This is the best way forward for our beloved Fiji," he told the nation.