STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA ON HIS NOMINEE FOR HEAD OF STATE (22 10 2024)

The Prime Minister, Sitiveni L. Rabuka issued this statement today to announce his nominee for Head of State and President of the Republic of Fiji. The nomination will be tabled at a Special Sitting of Parliament on Thursday 31st October 2024.

The incumbent, His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata has formally withdrawn his name from nomination as President.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.

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.

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.

A formal vakasenuqanuqa ceremony will be conducted to express the nation's gratitude to His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in accordance with traditional protocol, at the end of his term.

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Given the withdrawal of H.E. Katonivere from nomination, I have consulted the Parliamentary Caucus of the People's Alliance and the name of the Honourable Speaker, Ratu Naiqama T Lalabalavu Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau, has been formally endorsed by Caucus for nomination to the Presidency. The Turaga na Tui Cakau has formally consented to being nominated for the Presidency.

As Prime Minister I will move his name under section 84(2) of the Constitution at the special sitting of Parliament on Thursday 31st October 2024.

I call on all Fijians to join me and the Coalition Government in our work to unite the nation, promote social cohesion, peace, unity, stability and prosperity.

May God Bless Us All May God Bless Fiji.