Wiliame Katonivere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ratu
Wiliame Katonivere
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Katonivere in 2022
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| 6th President of Fiji | |
| In office 12 November 2021 – 12 November 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Jioji Konrote |
| Succeeded by | Naiqama Lalabalavu |
| Chief of Macuata Province | |
| Assumed office 22 May 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Aisea Katonivere |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 April 1964 Suva, Fiji |
| Political party | People's Alliance |
| Spouse | Filomena Dikumete-Katonivere |
| Children | 2 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Fiji |
| Branch/service | Republic of Fiji Military Forces |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere was a very important leader in Fiji. He was the President of Fiji from 2021 to 2024. Before becoming president, he was a chief in Macuata Province since 2013. He also worked to protect Fiji's amazing Great Sea Reef.
Mr. Katonivere also led several companies, like the Pine Group, which deals with wood. He was also on the board for Fiji Airports and the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
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Military Service
Wiliame Katonivere joined the Royal Fiji Military Forces when he was 19 years old, in 1984. He served in the Middle East twice as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. This group helps keep peace in the world. He became a Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Forces. He was also a Commanding officer, leading the 7th Infantry Regiment.
Political Journey
On 21 October 2021, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama, suggested Wiliame Katonivere to become the next President of Fiji. Mr. Katonivere accepted this important role. The very next day, the Parliament of Fiji voted. Katonivere won with 28 votes, beating the other candidate, Teimumu Kepa. Before he became president, he left all the company boards he was part of.
Being President (2021–2024)
Wiliame Katonivere officially became the 6th President of Fiji on 12 November 2021. He took over from Jioji Konrote. At 57, he was the youngest person to become president of Fiji. He was also the second president to come from the Northern Division. When he took his oath, he stood in front of the Speaker, Epeli Nailatikau. He was also honored with a 100-man Guard of Honour.
On 22 November 2021, President Katonivere opened a new session of Parliament. He gave an important speech. He asked all Fijians to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He also warned about prices going up when Fiji's borders reopened. He supported the government's work to make things fair for everyone.
On 23 October 2024, he decided not to be president for a second term. His time as president ended when a new president was chosen on 31 October.
How He Was Elected
2021 Fijian Presidential Election
In the 2021 election for President of Fiji, Wiliame Katonivere was the candidate chosen by the FijiFirst government. He was suggested by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. The Opposition chose Teimumu Kepa as their candidate.
Mr. Katonivere received enough votes from the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the first round. This meant he won against Ms. Kepa. One MP from the opposition party, Mosese Bulitavu of SODELPA, also voted for Katonivere.
| Candidate | Party | Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | |||
| Wiliame Katonivere | FijiFirst | 28 | 54.90% | |
| Teimumu Kepa | SODELPA | 23 | 45.10% | |
| Abstentions and uncast ballots | 0 | - | ||
| Total | 51 | 100.00% | ||
| Sources: The Fiji Times | ||||
About His Life
Wiliame Katonivere was born on 20 April 1964, in Suva, Fiji. He was the youngest of seven children born to Ratu Soso Katonivere and Samanunu Boteiviwa. He went to Draiba Fijian School and then to Bua College, finishing in 1981. His family comes from the village of Naduri, Macuata, on the island of Vanua Levu. He is married to Filomena Katonivere. They have two children and three grandchildren.
See also
In Spanish: Wiliame Katonivere para niños
