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3rd LD Writethru: Jioji Konrote elected as Fiji's next president

Xinhua, October 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Fiji's parliament on Monday elected Jioji Konousi Konrote, minister for employment, productivity and industrial relations, as the Pacific island country's next president.

In the presidential election held in parliament, Konrote, nominated by the ruling FijiFirst party, garnered 31 votes, while the opposition's candidate Ratu Epeli Ganilau received 14 votes.

As per Fiji's constitution, the prime minister and leader of the opposition each submit a presidential candidate to the speaker of parliament, who then announces the nominees to MPs before parliament decides on the country's next president with a majority vote.

"In accordance with Section 84, Clause 3 of the 2013 Constitution, Major General Jioji Konusi Konrote, having received the support of the majority of the members of parliament present, is appointed as the president of the Republic of Fiji by parliament," Speaker of Parliament Jiko Luveni announced.

Prior to the presidential election, Konrote had resigned from the FijiFirst party and as a member of parliament, qualifying to be a nominee.

Konrote, a retired major general, joined the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 1966 and has had long, dedicated and distinguished career serving Fiji as a military officer, an international peacekeeper and a senior civil servant and diplomat.

In addition to his service in the military, Konrote served as the permanent secretary for home affairs and immigration. He also served as Fiji's high commissioner to the Commonwealth of Australia and ambassador to Singapore.

In 2006, Konrote was elected as a member of parliament and served as the minister for state for immigration and ex-servicemen.

In the current government led by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Konrote served as the minister for employment, productivity and industrial relations.

The term of outgoing President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau ends this month. Endi