Turaga Bale Na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has been sworn in as the 7th President of Fiji.
Ratu Naiqama, the former Speaker of Parliament, was elected after getting 37 votes.
Following his swearing-in Ratu Naiqama addressed the guard of honour and thanked the military and asked them to uphold the rule of law
He has urged them to serve Fijians whole heartedly.
“It is promising to see how the Republic of Fiji Military Forces continue to uphold their duty of care in supporting and educating, as well as fulfilling their security responsibilities to protect the government and the people of Fiji since the RFMF Commander began his tenure. I commend the Commander for his sound leadership, which enables the RFMF to effectively collaborate with both the government and the citizens.”
He is the high chief of the Cakaudrove confederacy, the same province as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Ratu Naiqama contested the 2022 election as a candidate for the People’s Alliance Party and received 652 votes.
In attendance were Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps and invited guests.