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President of Fiji
Flag of the President of Fiji.svg
Naiqama Lalabalavu March 2023 (cropped) 2.jpg
Incumbent
Naiqama Lalabalavu

since 12 November 2024
Style His Excellency
Residence State House
Appointer Parliament of Fiji
Term length Three years,
renewable once
Constituting instrument Constitution of Fiji (2013)
Precursor Monarchy of Fiji
Inaugural holder Penaia Ganilau
Formation 5 December 1987; 37 years ago (1987-12-05)
Deputy Vice-President of Fiji (1990–2013)
Chief Justice of Fiji (2013–present)
Salary FJ$130,000 annually


The President of Fiji is the country's head of state. This means the president is the official representative of the Republic of Fiji. The Parliament chooses the president for a three-year term. This term can be renewed once.

The president's job is mostly ceremonial. This means they act as a symbol for the nation. However, the president also has important special powers for times of crisis. The president is also the top leader of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

History of the Office

The role of president was created after two military takeovers in 1987. These events led to Fiji becoming a republic on October 7, 1987. This meant Fiji no longer had a king or queen as its head of state.

First President and Early Years

Major-General Sitiveni Rabuka led the military takeovers. He formed a temporary military government. On December 5, 1987, he appointed Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau as the first president. Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau had been the last governor-general, who represented the Queen.

Changes in the 2000s

In 2000, there was another political change. This was led by George Speight. President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara stepped down on May 29, 2000. He did not want to cancel the country's main rules, the Constitution.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama then took charge of a temporary military government. Later, Ratu Josefa Iloilo became president on July 13, 2000.

In December 2006, the military again took control of the government. Commodore Bainimarama first said he was acting president temporarily. He later insisted he was the president. However, Ratu Josefa Iloilo was put back as president on January 4, 2007.

New Ways to Choose the President

In 2008, Bainimarama stated that the military would choose the president. This was because the Great Council of Chiefs, a traditional group of leaders, was suspended.

On July 28, 2009, President Iloilo announced he would leave office. Brigadier-General (Rtd) Ratu Epeli Nailatikau became acting president. He was sworn in as president on November 5, 2009.

In March 2012, the Great Council of Chiefs was officially ended. This meant a new way to choose the president was needed. The new Constitution, adopted in 2013, set out this new method.

Recent Presidents of Fiji

On October 12, 2015, the Parliament elected Major-General (Rtd) Jioji Konrote as president. He was sworn in on November 12, 2015. Konrote was re-elected on August 31, 2018.

On October 22, 2021, the Parliament elected Ratu Wiliame Katonivere as president. He was sworn in on November 12, 2021.

The current president, Naiqama Lalabalavu, took office on November 12, 2024.

List of Presidents

See also

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