SUVA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — President-elect Jioji Konrote was sworn in on Thursday, becoming Fiji’s fifth president since the Pacific island country’s independence in 1970.
Konrote took his oath of office before government ministers, members of the judiciary, diplomats and invited guests at the Government House, the official residence of the president of Fiji.
The presidential appointment is for a term of three years.
A farewell ceremony was held on Wednesday for Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Konrote’s predecessor.
In last month’s presidential election held in parliament, Konrote, nominated by the ruling FijiFirst party, garnered 31 votes, while the opposition’s candidate Ratu Epeli Ganilau received 14 votes.
As head of state, a Fijian president performs the ceremonial function of commander-in-chief of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.