Fiji President Election

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledges the support from his two coalition partners in backing his nomination for President.

@fijivillage.com PM acknowledges support from coalition partners in backing his President nomination #fiji #fyp ♬ original sound - fijivillage

Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is the new President of Fiji after getting 37 votes in parliament.

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu had nominated the Chair of the Ba Provincial Council, Ratu Meli Tora Tavaiqia to be the next Head of State. He got 16 votes.

Before Parliament sat to elect the country’s new President, the National Federation Party, SODELPA and the Opposition Group of 9 had confirmed they stand firm in supporting the nomination of current Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as the new President.

Speaking to the media after Turaga Na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was elected as President in Parliament today, Rabuka says Parliament is also an electoral college, and they carry the mandate of the people by appointing the President.

Meanwhile, SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa says they had agreed late last night to support Ratu Naiqama to be the next President as according to them, it remains the Tovata confederacy’s turn to take up the presidency.

When asked by fijivillage News, NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad said they have had a good discussion with Rabuka about the nomination and both parties have agreed to the nomination of Ratu Naiqama.

A senior Australian jurist and current Judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji, Justice David E. Ashton-Lewis has been appointed as the sole Commissioner to inquire into the recent appointment of the Commissioner of FICAC, Barbara Malimali.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has signed off for the Commission of Inquiry, the Commissioner to be appointed and the counsel assisting the Commissioner.

The Commission of Inquiry will assess and determine whether the appointment process of Malimali was conducted with integrity, fairness, and transparency, in accordance with the law.

The inquiry will also examine whether there were any improper or unlawful influences in the process leading to the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.

The Terms of Reference of the Commission will also consider whether the process and the appointment of Commissioner Malimali were unlawfully or improperly influenced by vested interests, including current FICAC cases or investigations involving high-profile individuals, such as Members of Parliament, Ministers, and senior public servants.

Justice Ashton-Lewis was previously appointed by the President in 2023 to chair the Constitutional Tribunal to inquire into allegations of misconduct against former Chief Justice Kamal Kumar. Chief Justice Kumar passed away before the Tribunal could commence hearings into the allegations.

The President has also appointed Janet Mason, a senior barrister, as Counsel assisting the Commission.

Mason holds both New Zealand and Fijian citizenship. She is admitted to both the Fiji and New Zealand Bars.

She has extensive experience in public, governance, and constitutional law, having served as Legal Counsel to the Great Council of Chiefs.

She has also played a significant role in the negotiation team for the Treaty of Waitangi Settlement.

They are expected to arrive in Fiji soon and will be sworn into office.

Arrangements are already underway to establish a secretariat that will facilitate the work of the Commission.

The Prime Minister had earlier stated that a Commission of Inquiry is the most appropriate and impartial means to address allegations surrounding the work of FICAC.

Rabuka was responding to questions from local media organisations regarding an interview given to overseas media by Francis Puleiwai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC.

He explained that an independent commission would be better positioned to address the issues raised by Puleiwai, particularly those involving alleged ministerial interference in FICAC investigations.

The Turaga Na Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is the new President of Fiji after getting 37 votes in parliament.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka nominated Ratu Naiqama in parliament and his nomination was backed by all the People’s Alliance Party, National Federation Party, SODELPA and Opposition Group of 9 Members of Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu nominated the Chair of the Ba Provincial Council, Ratu Meli Tora Tavaiqia to be the next Head of State.

He got 16 votes from the Opposition Group of 16.

The vote was through a roll call with each Member of Parliament confirming their vote.

The votes : Bainivalu – Ratu Naiqama

Bala – Ratu Meli

Bia – Ratu Naiqama

Bulitavu – Ratu Naiqama

Chand - Ratu Meli

Ditoka – Ratu Naiqama

Gavoka – Ratu Naiqama

Immanuel – Ratu Naiqama

Kamikamica – Ratu Naiqama

Kiran – Ratu Naiqama

Koroilavesau – Ratu Meli

Koya – Ratu Meli

Premila Kumar – Ratu Meli

Shalen Kumar – Ratu Meli

Ketan Lal – Ratu Meli

Virendra Lal – Ratu Meli

Dr Lalabalavu – Ratu Naiqama

Maharaj – Ratu Meli

Naivalurua – Ratu Naiqama

Nalumisa – Ratu Naiqama

Joseph Nand – Ratu Meli

Sachida Nand – Ratu Meli

Vijay Nath – Ratu Meli

Naupoto – Ratu Naiqama

Niudamu – Ratu Naiqama

Pillay – Ratu Meli

Prof Biman Prasad – Ratu Naiqama

Radrodro – Ratu Naiqama

Ravu – Ratu Naiqama

Ravunawa – Ratu Naiqama

Rayalu – Ratu Naiqama

Rokomatu – Ratu Naiqama

Saukuru – Ratu Naiqama

Rinesh Sharma – Ratu Meli

Agni Singh – Ratu Naiqama

Charan Singh – Ratu Naiqama

Tabuya – Ratu Naiqama

Tikoduadua – Ratu Naiqama

Tubuna – Ratu Naiqama

Tuicolo – Ratu Naiqama

Tuinaceva – Ratu Naiqama

Ro Filipe Tuisawau – Ratu Naiqama

Tuiwailevu – Ratu Naiqama

Tuinabuna – Ratu Naiqama

Turaga – Ratu Naiqama

Usamate – Ratu Meli

Ratu Rakuita – Ratu Naiqama

Vanawalu – Ratu Naiqama

Vasu – Ratu Naiqama

Vocea – Ratu Naiqama

Vosarogo – Ratu Naiqama

Ratu Naiqama is President-elect, and he will remain in office as the Speaker of Parliament until the 11th of November.

The new Speaker will be elected in Parliament on December 2nd.

Deputy Speaker, Lenora Qereqeretabua presided over today’s proceedings in Parliament.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is extremely disappointed by Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya’s endorsement of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for President and the reference that he helps break the cycle of patriarchy.

Shamima Ali says Ratu Naiqama has never worked as a male champion and Tabuya should explain her statement in endorsing the Speaker for President.

She says statement made by Tabuya is counter-productive to the efforts of the National Action Plan to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Tabuya has endorsed the Speaker and Na Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau as President of the Republic of Fiji.

Tabuya says she has experienced firsthand his able and fair leadership, with passion and commitment to gender equality and women’s leadership.

She says never at any time as a woman leader did she feel she was not an equal partner in decision making but in fact na Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau would often create the space for her to be visible as a woman leader who earned every right to be at the table.

She adds in order to break the cycle of patriarchy, women need male champions for gender equality, and she is confident to state publicly that Ratu Naiqama is one such champion, who she has no doubt will take this rare quality to the State House as the next President of the Republic of Fiji.

As Parliament sits at 11am today to elect the country’s new President, the National Federation Party, SODELPA and the Opposition Group of 9 confirm they stand firm in supporting the nomination of current Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as the new President.

SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa says they have agreed late last night to support Ratu Naiqama to be the next President as according to them, it remains the Tovata confederacy’s turn to take up the presidency.

When asked by fijivillage News, NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad said they have had a good discussion with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the nomination and both parties have agreed to the nomination of Ratu Naiqama.

Sources from the Opposition Group of 9 confirm they have decided to support Rabuka’s nomination.

The Opposition Group of 16 led by Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu confirmed on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan last night that they will not support the Prime Minister’s nomination, and will make their nominee known during the nomination this morning.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed to fijivillage News that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term of three years as President after he saw an internal audit and investigation report.

We had asked Rabuka on whether he had met Ratu Wiliame in Auckland earlier this month and advised him that he was withdrawing Ratu Wiliame's nomination, and for him to formally withdraw.

fijivillage News has gathered that Rabuka met with Ratu Wiliame for about 10 minutes in a meeting room at a hotel in Auckland.

We also asked Rabuka how did Ratu Naiqama's name come in as a nomination for President.

While responding to our questions, Rabuka said he informed Ratu Wiliame Katonivere that an Internal Audit and an Internal Investigation Report was reported to him by the Board Chairperson of three Government Companies Ratu Wiliame had served on.

Rabuka says these were then subjected to forensic reexamination and to the Attorney General for advice on whether to prosecute or not.

He says it was then that Ratu Wiliame felt he should decline the Prime Minister's nomination of him.

Rabuka says after that, he called Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who has served Fiji well in his various careers as well as in his role as the paramount chief of Cakaudrove, considering his position in the conventional National Order of Precedence, if he would accept Rabuka's nomination.

We have asked Rabuka what is the next step regarding the internal audit and internal investigation report of Ratu Wiliame. He is yet to respond.

As Parliament sits at 11am tomorrow to elect the country’s new President, the National Federation Party and Opposition Group of 9 confirm they stand firm in supporting the nomination of current Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as the new President while SODELPA says they will confirm tomorrow morning.

When asked by fijivillage News, NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad says they have had a good discussion with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the nomination and both parties have agreed to the nomination of Ratu Naiqama.

Sources from the Opposition Group of 9 confirm they have decided to support Rabuka’s nomination.

SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa confirms they had a meeting yesterday, and they are speaking to their constituencies now before confirming tomorrow on whether they will support Rabuka’s nomination of Ratu Naiqama to be the next President.

The Opposition Group of 16 led by Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu had earlier said that they will not support the Prime Minister’s nomination, and will make their nominee know in due course.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed to fijivillage News that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term of three years as President after he saw an internal audit and investigation report.

We had asked Rabuka on whether he had met Ratu Wiliame in Auckland earlier this month and advised him that he was withdrawing Ratu Wiliame's nomination, and for him to formally withdraw.

fijivillage News has gathered that Rabuka met with Ratu Wiliame for about 10 minutes in a meeting room at a hotel in Auckland.

We also asked Rabuka how did Ratu Naiqama's name come in as a nomination for President.

While responding to our questions, Rabuka said he informed Ratu Wiliame Katonivere that an Internal Audit and an Internal Investigation Report was reported to him by the Board Chairperson of three Government Companies Ratu Wiliame had served on.

Rabuka says these were then subjected to forensic reexamination and to the Attorney General for advice on whether to prosecute or not.

He says it was then that Ratu Wiliame felt he should decline the Prime Minister's nomination of him.

Rabuka says after that, he called Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who has served Fiji well in his various careers as well as in his role as the paramount chief of Cakaudrove, considering his position in the conventional National Order of Precedence, if he would accept Rabuka's nomination.

We have asked Rabuka what is the next step regarding the internal audit and internal investigation report of Ratu Wiliame. He is yet to respond.

The Fiji Labour Party has questioned the 'conventional National Order of Precedence' which Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he referred to when nominating Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for President.

FLP Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry asks Rabuka where did this National Order of Precedence come from, where and when was it published and given official recognition.

He says as far as he knows, there never was any such Order so Rabuka must explain.

Chaudhry says if he can't, he must withdraw Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu's nomination and engage in wider consultation to identify a person of high repute acceptable to all the communities.

He says it is also significant that the next President will steer the national reconciliation process and will be making appointments of members to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Chaudhry adds that Ratu Naiqama's role in the takeover of the RFMF Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa after the 2000 coup and the terrorist events that followed disqualify him from being considered for nomination for the presidency.

He says Rabuka must consider seriously the repercussions of his hasty decision.

We are awaiting Rabuka’s response.

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali says they want a constitutional change where people can reflect their views on the Presidential election and appointment.

Ali highlighted this when fijivillage News questioned her whether they are calling for a constitutional change relating to the appointment of the President.

She says they are encouraging the President should be elected or nominated from various sections of the society followed by a selected group of people who should consider the person's character profile, past track record and moral principles.

Ali earlier said that the nomination of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be the President of Fiji must be immediately withdrawn as he will not unite the nation but strengthen hierarchy, patriarchy and gross inequality.

She adds the position of President must not be for the “boys and wrongdoers” and we can’t continue to reward coup perpetrators.

The election of the President will take place in Parliament this Thursday.

The appointment of the country’s President is crucial and the nomination should reflect the expectations of the public.

This has been highlighted by the President of the Fiji Council of Social Services, Sepesa Rasili, when expressing his thoughts on the appointment of the President of Fiji.

Rasili says as the President is a symbol of unity and the nomination for the high office must be approached by broad consultation that takes into account the diversity and aspirations of all Fijians.

He says ultimately the Prime Minister's nomination must demonstrate that it has been made in the best interest of the nation.

He says the voices of the people in this regard is paramount and the responsibilities attached to this role is important.

Rasili acknowledged the work of the outgoing and current President of the country Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in rendering his service to the country.

He reiterates his exceptional diplomacy, particularly during the transitional period following the handover of power in late 2022.

The Prime Minister’s nomination of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for President was unanimously supported by the members, council and management committee of the People’s Alliance Party.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperative and SMEs Manoa Kamikamica says the Party met on Tuesday, where Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka nominated the Tui Cakau. He says the Prime Minister had already explained what had transpired.

Kamikamica says the Tui Cakau is a well-known chief in Fiji and has served the country well.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Turaga na Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in leading the country.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term of three years as President of Fiji after he saw an internal audit and investigation report.

We had asked Rabuka on whether he had met Ratu Wiliame in Auckland last week and advised him that he was withdrawing Ratu Wiliame's nomination, and for him to formally withdraw.

fijivillage News has gathered that Rabuka met with Ratu Wiliame for about 10 minutes in a meeting room at a hotel in Auckland.

We also asked Rabuka how did Ratu Naiqama's name come in as a nomination for President.

While responding to our questions, Rabuka said he informed Ratu Wiliame Katonivere that an Internal Audit and an Internal Investigation Report was reported to him by the Board Chairperson of three Government Companies Ratu Wiliame had served on.

Rabuka says these were then subjected to forensic reexamination and to the Attorney General for advice on whether to prosecute or not.

He says it was then that Ratu Wiliame felt he should decline the Prime Minister's nomination of him.

Rabuka says after that, he called Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who has served Fiji well in his various careers as well as in his role as the paramount chief of Cakaudrove, considering his position in the conventional National Order of Precedence, if he would accept Rabuka's nomination.

He says having secured that, he informed Cabinet and his Party Leadership and Caucus on Tuesday.

We have asked what is the next step regarding the internal audit and internal investigation report. He is yet to respond.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says the provisions of the Constitution that allowed Mahendra Chaudhry to stand for elections under Section 56(2)(g) are similar to that which allows Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be nominated for President under 83(1)(e).

That is Rabuka’s reply to fijivillage News regarding concerns raised by Chaudhry about the People’s Alliance decision to nominate Ratu Naiqama as the next President.

Section 56(2)(g) of the 2013 Constitution states that a person may be a candidate for election to Parliament only if the person has not, at any time during the 8 years immediately before being nominated, been convicted of any offence under any law for which the maximum penalty is a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more.

Section 83 (1)(e) states a person shall not be qualified to be nominated for the office of the President unless he or she has not, at any time during the 6 years immediately before being nominated, been convicted of any offence under any law.

Chaudhry had said a person with Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s record cannot be accepted as the country’s President, and Rabuka has come under strong criticism for what looks like blatant bias in appointing people from his own province of Cakaudrove to positions of high authority.

He says the Office of President must be held by a person of unquestionable integrity, widely acceptable to all communities.

Chaudhry says the President must be seen as a symbol of unity.

He says Rabuka’s nominee for President meets none of this criteria.

Chaudhry says Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has a questionable political record, he is a known ethno-nationalist who was seen closely collaborating with the George Speight group and engaging in treasonable activities in 2000, he was convicted for participating in an “unlawful assembly” at the Sukanaivalu Barracks at the height of the 2000 coup and on 4th April 2005 was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment.

Questions are still being raised on why the dramatic twist of events as President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere had confirmed to many people that he was up for re-election for another 3 years.

Rabuka had maintained that he would back Ratu Wiliame, and was ready to nominate Ratu Wiliame’s name in early October.

However he revealed later that there was some discomfort on some of the nominees for the country’s President, and that is why he withdrew his nominee for the election of the President that morning.

Rabuka confirmed that the issue of the discomfort on some of the nominees was brought to his attention by the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu before the sitting so the Prime Minister asked if he could withdraw the nomination.

Under the Constitution, the Speaker has no powers to question a nomination.

Section 84(2) states that whenever a vacancy arises in the office of the President, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition shall nominate one name each to the Speaker who shall put both the names to the floor of Parliament for voting by the members of Parliament.

The person who receives the support of the majority of the members of Parliament present shall be appointed as the President, and the Speaker shall publicly announce the name of the President.

We have sent further questions to Rabuka. He is yet to respond.

The election of the President will take place in parliament next Thursday.

A person with Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s record cannot be accepted as the country’s President, and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has come under strong criticism for what looks like blatant bias in appointing people from his own province of Cakaudrove to positions of high authority.

Those are the comments of Fiji Labour Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry as he says the Office of President must be held by a person of unquestionable integrity, widely acceptable to all communities.

Chaudhry says the President must be seen as a symbol of unity.

He says Rabuka’s nominee for President meets none of this criteria.

Chaudhry says Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has a questionable political record, he is a known ethno-nationalist who was seen closely collaborating with the George Speight group and engaging in treasonable activities in 2000, he was convicted for participating in an “unlawful assembly” at the Sukanaivalu Barracks at the height of the 2000 coup and on 4th April 2005 was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment.

The FLP Leader says while sentencing him, Labasa Magistrate Sunil Kumar said Ratu Naiqama “had played a role in influencing the rebel soldiers to act criminally” when as a high chief he should have provided proper guidance.

Chaudhry says Ratu Naiqama later joined the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party well known for its ultra nationalist stance. He adds as a parliamentarian, his membership was suspended for two years in May 2015 after he was found guilty of making “scurrilous” remarks about the then Speaker Jiko Luveni.

The FLP Leader says recently, Ratu Naiqama was widely criticised for his ‘racist’ remarks against Opposition Member Aliki Bia when he castigated the Melanesian community.

Chaudhry says Rabuka’s handling of the names of nominees for the presidency has also raised questions.

He says it is not clear whether he is the Coalition’s or People’s Alliance nominee.

Chaudhry says SODELPA and NFP have not made their position clear on Ratu Naiqama’s nomination. The FLP Leader says for someone who is forever mouthing rhetoric on national unity, it seems strange that the Prime Minister should openly embrace parochial politics instead of attempting to unify the nation.

We are awaiting a response by the Prime Minister.

The nomination of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to be the President of Fiji must be immediately withdrawn as he will not unite the nation but strengthen hierarchy, patriarchy and gross inequality.

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shamima Ali highlighted this in an interview with fijivillage News and says the position of President must not be for the “boys and wrongdoers” and we can’t continue to reward coup perpetrators.

She says Ratu Naiqama has shown people time and time again that he is a misogynist and was also once suspended from Parliament for 2 years for making extremely derogatory comments against the late and former Speaker of the House, Dr Jiko Luveni and recently made racial comments.

Ali is asking where is the social cohesion that this government proclaims to stand for.

She further says the President needs to meet the moral and ethical standards of a leader we can be proud of.

FWCC is also very concerned about discussions that those nominated to be President need to be chiefs or from a particular confederacy or province.

The Coordinator adds that the will of the Fijian people must be reflected in the appointment and election of the President.

Parliamentary Speaker, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau, has been formally endorsed by the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s Alliance for nomination to the Presidency, after the current President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere withdrew his name from nomination for a second term.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says that on 17th October 2024, he wrote to Ratu Wiliame seeking his approval and consent to be nominated for a second term as President and Head of State under section 84(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.

He says on Monday 21st October 2024, he received formal communication from Ratu Wiliame, wherein he withdrew his name from nomination for a second term.

In paying tribute to Ratu Wiliame,Rabuka acknowledged his service to the nation as our President and said that he has conducted his duties as Head of State with integrity and forbearance.

Rabuka says Ratu Wiliame ensured a smooth transition in Government following the December 2022 general election where he showed diligence in ensuring respect for the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji despite those who sought to sway his resolve in upholding the law.

He says his term in office has been marked by unprecedented freedom for the people of Fiji and he has symbolized the unity and integrity of the State at home and abroad.

Ratu Naiqama has formally consented to be nominated for the Presidency as Rabuka will move his name under section 84(2) of the Constitution at the special sitting of Parliament on Thursday 31st October 2024.

The Presidential election is expected to take place in a special Parliament sitting at the end of this month, and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that the Coalition Government’s nominee remains the current President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.

Rabuka had earlier stated that there was some discomfort with certain nominees for the country’s Presidency, which is why he withdrew his nominee for the election yesterday.

In an interview with fijivillage News, Rabuka says the Speaker, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, had asked him to make sure that the doubt that was raised with him was cleared before they make the nomination.

He says the Speaker had doubts in regards to an allegation against the President.

Rabuka says he has to be very sure that any doubt that people might have be cleared.

Meanwhile, FICAC has confirmed that the files regarding the complaints against the President have been closed.

They say that the preliminary investigation sought assistance from the Financial Intelligence Unit regarding financial information on Ratu Wiliame, and the information provided by the Fiji FIU was sufficient to disprove the allegations.

FICAC says they also verified the Assets and Liabilities declared in the Fiji FIU report and can confirm the same.

They add that, based on the outcome of the preliminary inquiry and the legal opinion provided thereafter, FICAC had informed the Supervisor of Elections that there is no evidence to support the claims made by the complainant, and therefore they have closed the files.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is tipped to be re-elected as the country's President for his final 3 year term today.

The Sitiveni Rabuka led coalition government is expected to nominate Ratu Wiliame for his second term in office when nominations are called in Parliament today.

Under the 2013 Constitution, the President can only serve two terms in office.

The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition will submit a presidential candidate to the Speaker of Parliament.

The nominees will then be announced before Parliament votes on the new President.

Ratu Wiliame was elected as President in 2021 after being nominated by former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.

Rabuka had earlier indicated to fijivillage News that his proposal to the People’s Alliance Party was for Ratu Wiliame to have another term.

Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu has not responded to our question when asked on who will the Opposition nominate as President.

If the Opposition agrees with the Prime Minister's nominee, then Ratu Wiliame will be elected unopposed.