Jioji Konrote becomes Fiji’s President

In International Affairs
October 13, 2015

Fiji’s parliament has elected Jioji Konrote as the Pacific island country’s next president. In the 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.

Who is Konrote?

Konrote, a retired major general, joined the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 1966.
He has had long, dedicated and distinguished career serving Fiji as a military officer, an international peacekeeper and a senior civil servant and diplomat.
Konrote served as the permanent secretary for home affairs and immigration.
He also served as Fiji’s high commissioner to the Commonwealth of Australia and ambassador to Singapore.
In 2006, Konrote was elected as a member of parliament and served as the minister for state for immigration and ex-servicemen.
In the current government led by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Konrote served as the minister for employment, productivity and industrial relations.