President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is anticipated to secure a second term in office by the end of this month. The Parliamentary Business Committee has scheduled a meeting for Parliament on October 31 at 11 am to officially appoint a President. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee for the position is Ratu Wiliame.
On October 3, there was an original plan for Parliament to nominate and appoint a President, positioned as item number 4 on the Order Paper. However, this agenda was postponed after Prime Minister Rabuka indicated a potential conflict regarding the presidential nomination. He subsequently asked the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, to withdraw item number 4, citing some ‘discomfort’ with his presidential nominee.
The Opposition has remained silent regarding their own nomination for the presidency.