PACIFIC: Fiji elects new president, Kiribati re-elects Maamau as president

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Speaker of Parliament and Turaga na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has been elected as Fiji’s next President.

The decision was reached following a parliamentary vote conducted this morning.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka formally nominated Ratu Naiqama for the presidency, while Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu put forward Ratu Meli Tora as the opposition’s candidate for the position.

37 MPs voted for Ratu Naiqama while Ratu Meli received 16 votes.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua following the vote declared Ratu Naiqama as the President-elect.

However, Ratu Naiqama will not assume the constitutional role until he takes the oath of office as President.

He will continue to serve as Speaker of Parliament until November 11th.

Meanehile in Kiribati, President Taneti Maamau has been re-elected for a third time after voters across the Micronesian nation returned for the popular vote last Friday.

The 64-year-old defeated two other candidates in an election closely monitored by Pacific island neighbours and international partners around the world.

Maamau won 55 per cent of the popular vote, while his nearest challenger, Kaotitaaake Kokoria, won 42 per cent of the ballots cast, according to media reports.

Kokoria caused a stir last week when he defected from Maamau’s camp to stand against the incumbent president.

Kiribati’s chief justice, Tetiro Semilota, declared Maamau the winner following the announcement of the results on Friday night.

The president who took office yesterday stressed  that he would firmly develop relations with China.

• Sources: FBC & PMN

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