Suva: Sitiveni Rabuka has been elected as Fiji’s new Prime Minister, the country’s parliament announced on December 24, according to CGTN news. Rabuka is the leader of the People’s Alliance, a political party in Fiji formed in 2021.
Rabuka was elected by 28 votes on the floor of parliament, whereas Fiji First Leader Voreqe Bainimarama garnered 27 votes, CGTN news reported. The announcement was made by the newly-elected Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, Naiqama Lalabalavu.
Fiji’s Social Democratic Liberal Party joined forces with Rabuka’s People’s Alliance and the National Federation Party on December 23. Following the alliance formed, Rabuka clinched victory for the next term, marking the end of 16 years of leadership under Frank Bainimarama, who seized power in a 2006 military coup, according to ABC news.
Who’s Sitiveni Rabuka?
Sitiveni “Rambo” Rabuka is an ex-soldier and former international sportsman who is poised to again become the prime minister of Fiji after a 23-year hiatus. He also made a name for himself on the parade ground and, having enlisted in the army following military school, Rabuka rose through the ranks.
He represented Fiji in the hammer throw, shot put, discus and decathlon disciplines at the 1974 Commonwealth Games and scrummed down as a prop forward for the national rugby team.
The lieutenant colonel led two coups in 1987 to earn the nickname “Rambo” by seizing power after armed troops took over parliament on his signal. He was, however, unhappy with how political negotiations progressed and then staged a second coup by declaring Fiji a republic with himself as a leader.
74-year-old, the head of the People’s Alliance Party, was elevated to the position after forming a majority coalition with two other parties following last week’s close and contentious election. He won the nomination by one vote over incumbent Frank Bainimarama at a sitting of the Fijian Parliament in Suva.
For the first time in 16 years, Fijians are preparing to welcome a new prime minister. Bainimarama’s Fiji First party won the last two democratic elections in Fiji.
(With inputs ANI)
