Fiji's military commander has assumed executive control of the country and sworn in retired medical practitioner, Dr Jona Senilagakali, as the caretaker prime minister.
Commodore Bainimarama then accepted advice from Dr Senilagakali and dissolved the parliament which was elected in May this year.
Commodore Bainimarama said the appointment of an interim administration would have to wait because the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Ovini Bokini, has refused to convene a meeting which was due next week.
The military commander said those wishing to be members of the interim regime would need to apply.
Commodore Bainimarama announced the appointment of the former Land Force Commander, Col Iowane Naivalurua, to the vacant post of commissioner of prisons.
He also appointed Lt Col Jimi Koroi as the acting commissioner of police.
Commodore Bainimarama said following intelligence reports that some people were planning to cause disruptions to peace and harmony, he was declaring a state of emergency.
"To those who do not agree with what we are doing, we respect your opinion. But do not interfere with the process that is currently underway. There is no point in debating the legalities or otherwise of our actions. Qarase and his cronies are not coming back."
The deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has been flown out of Suva to his home island in the Lau group.
