Frank Bainimarama vs Pervez Musharraf

Commodore Frank Bainimarama led a military coup overthrowing the elected government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. He cited corruption and ethnic tensions as reasons.

Bainimarama was appointed Prime Minister by the President, consolidating his power. He remained in office for 16 years, ruling under a military-backed government.

Bainimarama's government enacted a new constitution that removed race-based voting and established a secular state. The constitution was criticized for concentrating power.

Bainimarama's FijiFirst party lost the general election, ending his 16-year rule. He was succeeded by Sitiveni Rabuka, marking a return to democratic governance.

General Musharraf led a bloodless coup that overthrew Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He declared a state of emergency and assumed the title of Chief Executive, later becoming President, establishing military rule in Pakistan.

After 9/11, Musharraf allied Pakistan with the United States in the War on Terror. He allowed US access to Pakistani airspace and bases, and launched military operations against Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants in the tribal areas.

Musharraf declared a state of emergency, suspending the constitution and imposing media censorship. He justified it as necessary to combat terrorism, but it was widely seen as an attempt to maintain power amid rising opposition.

Facing impeachment by the new coalition government, Musharraf resigned as President and went into self-exile. His departure ended nine years of military rule and paved the way for a return to civilian democracy in Pakistan.