Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has communicated to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere that he has been nominated as the Coalition’s preferred candidate for the presidency. Ratu Wiliame, whose four-year presidential term concludes on October 21, is currently abroad participating in Fiji Day celebrations.
In a statement to the media, Mr. Rabuka indicated that he would formally seek the President’s approval upon his return. “I am waiting for His Excellency to get back, and I’ll have him sign the approval. I have already recommended it to him through a letter,” he said.
Upon the President’s return, Mr. Rabuka plans to present the official recommendation. A special session of Parliament is scheduled for October 31, during which members will elect Fiji’s next president. The Opposition is also anticipated to propose their own candidate for the position.
In related news, a group of nine independent MPs from the Opposition, led by Ioane Naivalurua, has expressed their intention to support Mr. Rabuka’s nomination.