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, who also has the title MBE, was born on December 23, 1953. He is a very important traditional leader in Fiji, known as a Paramount Chief. He is currently the President of Fiji. Before becoming President, he was the leader of the opposition and also the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji.
On October 31, 2024, he was chosen to be the President of Fiji. He officially started his job on November 12, 2024.
Tui Cakau: A Traditional Chiefly Role
In 1999, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu became the Tui Cakau. This is a very old and important title. It means he is the Paramount Chief of the Cakaudrove area. He is also a leader of the Tovata Confederacy. This is one of three main groups that all Fijian tribes belong to.
There was a legal challenge to his title. Another chief, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, tried to claim the title. But in 2001, the Supreme Court decided that Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was the rightful Tui Cakau.
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu became a Roman Catholic. His son, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, is also a Member of Parliament for the SODELPA party.
Political Journey
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 part of the ruling Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) party.
In 2000, during a time of political change in Fiji, he was made Minister for Fijian Affairs.
Later, in the 2001 election, he joined a new party called the Conservative Alliance-Matanitu Vanua. This party included many people who supported the changes from 2000. He won a seat representing the Cakaudrove East area. This seat was one of the 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 big changes for Fiji's government. He believed that more power should go back to Fiji's traditional chiefs. He said that since the chiefs gave the islands to the United Kingdom in 1874, they should have had more authority when Fiji became independent in 1970. He thought this would help bring all races in Fiji closer together. However, his idea was not supported by other chiefs at the time.
He was the Minister for Lands and Minister for Mineral Resources under Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. He later had to step down from his role. This happened after he faced legal challenges related to his actions during the 2000 political changes.
In 2006, some chiefs wanted to nominate him for the role of President or Vice-President. However, the current President and Vice-President were re-elected without opposition.
After the 2006 election, he became the Minister for Fijian Affairs again. He was also the Minister for Lands and Provincial Development. But in December 2006, he was removed from his position due to another political change.
After the 2006 Political Change
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu ran for election again in 2014. He was a candidate for the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA). He received many votes and became the Shadow Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources. This means he was part of the opposition, watching over the government's work in those areas.
In 2015, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was temporarily suspended from Parliament for comments he made. He challenged this decision in court, but his suspension ended before a final decision was made.
In June 2015, he was elected as the president of the SODELPA party. He was re-elected to this role in June 2017.
Even though he had thought about retiring, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu decided to run for election again in 2018. He was elected and continued his work in Parliament.
On October 22, 2024, he was nominated by the People’s Alliance party to become the President of Fiji. He won the election on October 31, 2024, with 37 votes. He officially became President on November 12.
