Ratu Naiqama for President

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that the current Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu will be Government's new nominee when parliament convenes to appoint Fiji's new President at the end of this month.

This was after the incumbent, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, formally withdrew his name from the nomination as President.

"On 17th October 2024, I wrote to His Excellency the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere 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," Mr Rabuka said in a statement released at 1am this morning.

"On Monday 21st October 2024, I received formal communication from His Excellency the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, wherein he withdrew his name from nomination for a second term."

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞

Mr Rabuka also paid tribute to Ratu Wiliame for his exceptional years of service.

"I want to pay tribute to His Excellency the President Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and acknowledge his service to the nation as our President.

"His Excellency has conducted his duties as Head of State with integrity and forbearance. His steady hand at the Presidency ensured a smooth transition in Government following the December 2022 general election. He was diligent in ensuring respect for the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji despite those who sought to sway his resolve in upholding the law.

"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. During his term, His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere opened State House to all Fijians, and undertook important diplomatic missions with decorum and poise."

He added that a formal vakasenuqanuqa ceremony would be conducted to express the nation’s gratitude to Ratu Wiliame in accordance with traditional protocol, at the end of his term.

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