No Vice President: Bainimarama

October 31, 2009 09:39:41 AM

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Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says his government will not appoint a Vice President.

Bainimarama said that in the absence of new President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Chief Justice Anthony Gates will act on his behalf.

“The Chief Justice is there to do the job. At the moment we will not appoint a Vice President,” he said.

Bainimarama said Ratu Epeli will have a three year term set for him.

He told FijiLive that Cabinet would confirm Nailatikau’s appointment at its meeting on Tuesday.

Nailatikau was appointed Vice-President in April, soon after the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution, to fill a position formerly held by lawyer and Bau high chief Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi until 2006.

Following the retirement of former President Ratu Josefa Iloilo on July 30, Nailatikau was appointed acting President.

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