Fiji will appoint its new President in a special Parliament sitting scheduled for Friday, October 22.

This was confirmed after the Business Committee of Parliament met on Wednesday.

It unanimously agreed for Parliament to reassemble at 10am on Friday, October 22, to make the appointment.

Pursuant to section 85 of the Fijian Constitution, the President holds office for 3 years, and is eligible for re-appointment for one further term of 3 years, but is not eligible for re-appointment after that.

The current President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote was appointed by Parliament on October 12, 2015 and re-appointed on 31 August 2018.

President Konrote is due to retire on 11 November, 2021.

The Parliament Secretariat has advised all Members of Parliament to be physically present in the Parliament Chambers to ensure that the process of secret ballot is properly fulfilled.

It added that there would be no virtual hybrid sitting on that day.

Leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Viliame Gavoka yesterday confirmed that the opposition parties have agreed on a name and this will be revealed on the day of nomination.

Former Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere were rumoured to be top choices for Government nominations while Ratu Epeli Ganilau is rumoured to be the candidate for Opposition.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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