Naiqama Lalabalavu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Honourable Ratu
Naiqama Lalabalavu
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Lalabalavu in 2023
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| 7th President of Fiji | |
| Assumed office 12 November 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Preceded by | Wiliame Katonivere |
| 3rd Speaker of Parliament | |
| In office 24 December 2022 – 12 November 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Preceded by | Epeli Nailatikau |
| Succeeded by | Filimoni Jitoko |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 8 December 2020 – 24 December 2022 |
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| Prime Minister | Frank Bainimarama |
| Preceded by | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Succeeded by | Frank Bainimarama |
| Member for Lau Taveuni Rotuma | |
| In office 1999–2001 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Savenaca Draunidalo |
| Member for Cakaudrove East | |
| In office 2001–2006 |
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| Preceded by | Inoke Kubuabola |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 December 1953 |
| Political party | SODELPA (2014 – 2022) PA (2022 – Present) |
Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, MBE (born 23 December 1953) is an important leader in Fiji. He is a Paramount Chief and currently serves as the President of Fiji. Before becoming President, he was the leader of the opposition and also the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji.
He was chosen as the President of Fiji on 31 October 2024. He officially started his role on 12 November 2024.
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His Role as Tui Cakau
In 1999, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu became the Tui Cakau. This is a very important title, meaning he is the Paramount Chief of Cakaudrove. He also leads the Tovata Confederacy, which is one of the three main groups of Fijian tribes. He took over this role after his father, Ratu Glanville Lalabalavu, passed away.
There was a legal challenge to his title from Ratu Epeli Ganilau. However, in 2001, the Supreme Court decided that Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was the rightful Tui Cakau.
He is a member of the Catholic Church. His son, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, is also a Member of Parliament for the SODELPA party.
His Journey in Politics
Early Political Steps
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu started his political career in 1999. He was elected to the House of Representatives. He represented the Lau-Taveuni-Rotuma area. He was one of the few candidates from his party, the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT), to win a seat.
In 2001, after some big changes in politics, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu joined the Conservative Alliance party. He won the Cakaudrove East seat. This seat was one of the special ones set aside for ethnic Fijians. After the election, he became the Minister of Lands and Mineral Resources.
In 2003, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu suggested some changes to Fiji's government. He believed that more power should be given back to Fiji's traditional chiefs. He thought this would help unite all people in Fiji, no matter their background. However, his idea was not supported by other leaders at the time.
He later had to step down from his role as Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources. This happened after he faced legal issues related to political events. He was released after a short time.
Return to Parliament
In 2006, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu became the Minister for Fijian Affairs again. He also served as Minister for Lands and Provincial Development. However, he lost these roles in December 2006 due to a change in government.
After this, he continued his political work. He ran as a candidate for the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) in the 2014 election. He received many votes and became a Member of Parliament again. After the election, he was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources.
In May 2015, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was temporarily suspended from Parliament for two years. This was due to comments he made about the Speaker of Parliament. He challenged this decision in court, but his suspension ended before a final decision was made.
He was elected as the president of the SODELPA party in June 2015 and was re-elected in June 2017.
Becoming President
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu had thought about retiring from politics. However, he decided to run again in the 2018 elections and was successfully elected.
On 22 October 2024, the People’s Alliance party nominated him for the presidency of Fiji. On 31 October, he was elected President in the 2024 Fijian presidential election. He officially took office on 12 November 2024.
See also
In Spanish: Naiqama Lalabalavu para niños
