Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is their nominee for the President of Fiji. In a statement, Rabuka indicated that the presidential election is scheduled to occur during a special parliamentary session at the end of October.
The Prime Minister noted that there had been some concerns regarding certain candidates for the presidency, which prompted him to withdraw his previous nomination on Thursday. Rabuka explained that the Speaker, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, had requested clarification on doubts raised before proceeding with the nomination. These concerns were linked to allegations against the President, thus highlighting the need to resolve any uncertainties.
Rabuka further stated that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) confirmed that the files related to the complaints against the President have been closed. He mentioned that a preliminary investigation sought assistance from the Financial Intelligence Unit to gather financial information on Ratu Wiliame. The results indicated that the allegations were unfounded, as the information provided was enough to dispel the claims.
The Prime Minister emphasized that FICAC also confirmed the accuracy of the assets and liabilities declared in the FIU report. Based on the inquiry’s outcome, there is no evidence to substantiate the claims made by the complainant, and thus the files have been officially closed.