Tui Cakau and Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has been elected as Fiji’s seventh President, succeeding Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
The president-elect secured 37 votes, while the Leader of the Opposition’s nominee, Ratu Meli Tora Tavaiqia who is also the Ba Provincial Council Chairman, received 16 votes. Opposition’s Bloc 9 voted alongside the Coalition Government in support of Ratu Naiqama.
Ratu Naiqama, 70, will serve a three-year term with the option for reappointment.
His appointment today also ends his term as Speaker, a position he held since December 24, 2022, during the first sitting of the new parliament following the 2022 General Elections.
He ascended as Tui Cakau, the paramount chief of Cakaudrove and the Tovata Confederacy, in 1999, succeeding his father. His long career in public service includes five successful elections to parliament, where he held multiple roles, including Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, and Minister for Fijian Affairs, Lands, and Provincial Development.
Ratu Wiliame, who has served as Fiji’s sixth President since 12 November 2021, will be stepping down next month after opting not to seek a second term. Known for his environmental activism, Ratu Wiliame has been a prominent advocate for ocean conservation and climate action. His earlier career included service in the military, two tours in the Middle East with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and leadership roles within Fiji’s agricultural and corporate sectors, including chairing the Fiji Pine Group of Companies and the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
A formal farewell, or vakasenuqanuqa, will be held to honour Ratu Wiliame’s contributions at the end of his term.
Meanwhile, this morning’s sitting was presided over by Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua, as Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu did not participate because he was a nominee for the presidential position.
