Fiji’s second-highest court declared the military government illegal and said the president should immediately appoint an interim leader to oversee elections to quickly restore democracy.
Today's Court of Appeals ruling delivered a sharp blow to armed forces chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who seized power in a 2006 coup.
Mr Bainimarama, who has insisted he acted within the South Pacific nation's constitution, did not immediately respond but is unlikely to step down.
Military-appointed Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum said doing so would leave a dangerous vacuum. He signalled the government would appeal the decision.
Mr Bainimarama said he will hold elections only after changing the constitution and electoral laws - a process that could take years.
AP