10 Oct 2015

Fiji's governing party names its candidate for President

9:44 am on 10 October 2015

Fiji's governing party has named Major General Jioji Konousi Konrote as its candidate to replace the outgoing head of state.

Parliament will hold a special sitting on Monday to elect the country's new President.

The prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, says Major General Konrote is one of Fiji's most outstanding and decorated military officers, also serving as a senior civil servant and diplomat.

He has also been appointed as the secretary general for United Nations peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, before becoming a member of Parliament under both Laisenia Qarase and Mr Bainimarama.

Fiji's opposition on Wednesday named Ratu Epeli Ganilau as its candidate to replace President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, whose term ends this year.

Fiji's Government House.

Fiji's Government House. Photo: RNZ / Sally Round