Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will be the nominee for Fiji’s President. In a statement, Rabuka indicated that the presidential election is scheduled to occur during a special sitting of Parliament at the end of October.
Rabuka noted that there was some unease surrounding certain nominees for the presidency, which led to his decision to withdraw his previous nominee the day before. He mentioned that the Speaker, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, had requested clarification on doubts raised prior to the nomination. There were concerns linked to an allegation against the President, making it essential to resolve any uncertainties.
The Prime Minister stated that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has confirmed the closure of files related to accusations against the President. Rabuka explained that a preliminary investigation involved the Financial Intelligence Unit, which provided sufficient information to refute the allegations against Ratu Wiliame.
Furthermore, he remarked that FICAC verified the assets and liabilities disclosed in the FIU report, concluding that there was no evidence to substantiate the claims made by the complainant. He confirmed that the investigation files have been officially closed.