Vice-President of Fiji facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vice-President of the Republic of Fiji
Coat of arms of the Republic of Fiji
Epeli Nailatikau Last office holder
Appointer	Great Council of Chiefs (1990–2009) President of Fiji (2009–13)
Formation	1990
First holder	Josaia Tavaiqia Inoke Takiveikata
Final holder	Epeli Nailatikau
Abolished	6 September 2013 (permanently vacant since July 30, 2009)

The Vice-President of Fiji was an important role created in 1990. This person was meant to take over if the President of Fiji could no longer do their job. This might happen if the President resigned, passed away, or was unable to carry out their duties. The Vice-President's main job was to be ready to step in for the President.

The role of Vice-President was ended in 2013. Now, if the President's position is empty or if the President is away or sick, the Chief Justice of Fiji takes over these responsibilities.

Understanding the Vice-President's Role

How the Vice-President Position Started

The job of Vice-President in Fiji began in 1990. At first, there were actually two Vice-Presidents: a First Vice-President and a Second Vice-President. This changed in 1999, when the 1997 Constitution came into effect. From then on, there was only one Vice-President.

How Vice-Presidents Were Chosen

Under the 1997 Constitution, the Great Council of Chiefs chose the Vice-President. They would talk with the Prime Minister before making their decision.

However, things changed in April 2009. Fiji's Constitution was put on hold. Six days later, the government announced that the President would now choose the Vice-President. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was appointed Vice-President the very next day.

Why the Role Ended

The 2013 Constitution of Fiji officially removed the Vice-President position. All the duties and powers that the Vice-President used to have were given to the Chief Justice of Fiji.

Who Could Be Vice-President?

The Vice-Presidents of Fiji, like the Presidents, were always indigenous Fijians. This was because the Great Council of Chiefs, which chose them, was made up of indigenous leaders. In 2007, some people suggested that someone from any race should be able to hold this important position.

Past Vice-Presidents of Fiji

Here is a list of the people who held the Vice-President role in Fiji.

First Vice-Presidents No. First Vice-President Took office Left office Time in office Party President Tavaiqia, JosaiaRatu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia (1931–1997) 1990 2 June 1992 2 years, 153 days Independent Penaia Ganilau Mara, KamiseseRatu Sir Kamisese Mara (1920–2004) 2 June 1992 15 December 1993 1 year, 196 days Independent Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau No one held the position (December 15, 1993 – January 12, 1994) Tavaiqia, JosaiaRatu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia (1931–1997) 12 January 1994 17 November 1997 † 309 days Independent Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Takiveikata, InokeRatu Inoke Takiveikata 17 November 1997 18 January 1999 1 year, 62 days Independent Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Second Vice-Presidents No. Second Vice-President Took office Left office Time in office Party President Takiveikata, InokeRatu Inoke Takiveikata 1990 2 June 1992 2 years, 153 days Independent Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau Tavaiqia, JosaiaRatu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia (1931–1997) 2 June 1992 12 January 1994 1 year, 224 days Independent Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Takiveikata, InokeRatu Inoke Takiveikata 12 January 1994 17 November 1997 3 years, 309 days Independent Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Iloilo, JosefaRatu Josefa Iloilo (1920–2011) 17 November 1997 18 January 1999 1 year, 62 days Independent Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara

Vice-Presidents (Single Office)

No.		Vice-President	Took office	Left office	Time in office	Party	President
		Iloilo, JosefaRatu Josefa Iloilo (1920–2011)	18 January 1999	29 May 2000	1 year, 132 days	Independent	Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara
No one held the position (May 29, 2000 – March 25, 2001)
		Seniloli, JopeRatu Jope Seniloli (1939–2015)	25 May 2001	29 November 2004	3 years, 188 days	Independent	Josefa Iloilo
		Madraiwiwi, JoniRatu Joni Madraiwiwi (1957–2016)	15 December 2004	5 December 2006	1 year, 355 days	Independent	Josefa Iloilo
No one held the position (December 5, 2006 – April 17, 2009)
		Nailatikau, EpeliRatu Brigadier general (Rtd) Epeli Nailatikau (born 1941)	17 April 2009	30 July 2009	104 days	Independent	Josefa Iloilo
No one held the position (July 30, 2009 – September 6, 2013)
The position was ended (September 6, 2013 – present)

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