President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is anticipated to secure a second term in office by the end of the month. The Parliamentary Business Committee has confirmed that Parliament will convene on October 31 at 11 am to appoint a new President. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka intends to nominate Ratu Wiliame for the position.
Originally, Parliament was set to nominate and appoint a President on October 3, with this item placed fourth on the agenda. However, the discussion was postponed following Mr. Rabuka’s acknowledgment of a potential split regarding the presidential nomination. He subsequently asked Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to withdraw the agenda item, citing some “discomfort” with his choice for the presidential nominee.
The Opposition has remained silent on their own nomination plans.