Fiji: PM Rabuka makes way for new Speaker

On 31 October, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was elected President by the Fijian Parliament after being put forward by PM Rabuka. He is from the Cakaudrove confederacy which is the same as PM Rabuka. It was also revealed that prior to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere withdrawing his nomination for a second term, PM Rabuka had privately outlined that a corruption investigation into Katonivere could result in criminal charges. An election for the Speaker’s position left vacant by Lalabalavu will occur on 12 November. 

Assessment: In practice, executive power resides with the PM and Cabinet while the President holds a more ceremonial role. Lalabalavu has faced some criticism for failure to maintain discipline during Parliamentary debates and from human rights groups over racial and misogynist comments (he was previously suspended from Parliament for the latter). Moving Lalabalavu to the Presidential role is an opportunity for PM Rabuka to remove two possible distractions to parliamentary proceedings and the Government’s work agenda.

Sources: “Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu elected as Fiji's new president,” RNZ, October 31, 2024; Apenisa Waqairadovu, “Ratu Naiqama appointed President,” FBC, October 31, 2024.