Fiji: Presidential election an opportunity for PM Rabuka to clean house

On 21 October, sitting President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere withdrew his nomination for a second term in the role. Prime Minister Rabuka stated that the current Speaker, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, will be nominated with support from the People’s Alliance Caucus. The appointment takes place on 31 October.

Assessment: Under the 2013 Constitution, the President is elected by the Parliament and can serve a maximum of two three year terms. In practice, executive power resides with the PM and Cabinet while the President holds a more ceremonial role. A complaint was raised against President Katonivere in January 2024 over undeclared financial assets but it is unclear what the outcome of this investigation was or if it is ongoing. Lalabalavu has faced some criticism for failure to maintain discipline during debates in Parliament, and from human rights groups over his own racially derogatory comments. Moving Lalabalavu to the Presidential role provides an opportunity for PM Rabuka to dodge further criticism by selecting a new Speaker more in-line with his reconciliation agenda (see SPI 2, 15-30 August).