Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is their candidate for the presidency of Fiji. Rabuka indicated that the presidential election is planned for a special Parliament session at the end of October.
In his statement, Rabuka mentioned that there had been some concerns regarding various nominees for the presidency, which prompted him to withdraw his own nomination the previous day. He explained that the Speaker, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, had requested him to clarify certain doubts before proceeding with a nomination. These concerns were related to allegations against the president, and it was crucial to resolve any uncertainties.
The Prime Minister reported that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has confirmed that the investigations regarding complaints against the president have been officially closed. Rabuka stated that the preliminary investigation engaged the Financial Intelligence Unit to examine financial details related to Ratu Wiliame, and the findings provided were adequate to dismiss the allegations.
Furthermore, he noted that FICAC confirmed the accuracy of the assets and liabilities disclosed in the Financial Intelligence Unit report, establishing that there was no evidence to support the claims made by the complainant. As a result, the files have been formally closed.