Suva, Oct 22 (IANS): The Fijian Parliament on Friday elected Ratu Wiliame Katonivere as the new President after he received majority votes.
He replaces Jioji Konrote who has held this position for two terms since November 2015, reports Xinhua news agency.
Katonivere was nominated by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya nominated Social Democratic Liberal Party member of Parliament Ro Teimumu Kepa for the President's post.
Katonivere received 28 votes while Kepa garnered 23 in the parliamentary vote.
Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau conveyed Parliament's congratulations to Katonivere after his appointment.
Katonivere is the former president of the FijiFirst party.
He will officially take up the President's post from next month.