"As of six o'clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country," he told a press conference.

The commander, who has for months been locked in a bitter standoff with Qarase, said he was suspending certain provisions of the country's constitution and taking over the role of the president as the head of state had been unable to act.

"Therefore, having stepped into the shoes of the president, I shall now therefore dismiss the Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase," he added.

He said an interim government would be appointed pending elections, and appealed for Fijians to remain calm and for businesses to continue to operate.

The military commander vowed the takeover would not be permanent.

Bainimarama, who had repeatedly warned Qarase to resign or be toppled, said he took the action after the premier failed to show up at a meeting with the country's president Tuesday.

"This stalemate has forced me to step forward and the military has taken overpower," he said.

Agence France-Presse