22 Sep 2014

Fiji's Bainimarama sworn in as PM

8:27 pm on 22 September 2014

Fiji's President has sworn Frank Bainimarama into office as prime minister at a ceremony in Suva after a landslide win in Fiji's first election in eight years.

He claimed victory on Sunday after winning a 60 percent share of the vote with 32 seats in the 50 member parliament.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau received the leader at Government House where he took the Oath of Office before a gathering of diplomats and other dignitaries.

Fiji's President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, swears in Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at Government House in Suva

Fiji's President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, swears in Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at Government House in Suva Photo: RNZI

"I, Josiah Voreke Bainimarama, being appointed as Prime Minister, swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Fiji, and that I will again observe and uphold from this day the constitution of the Republic of Fiji and all other laws of Fiji, and I solemnly and sincerely promise to hold my office with honour, dignity and integrity."

The former military commander has been ruling Fiji by decree since he seized power in 2006.

He handed over the reins of the military earlier this year, running for election against six other parties under a new electoral system.

Earlier he told supporters Fiji now has a democratically elected parliamentary government that would deliver good governance and transparency.

Frank Bainimarama arrives for his swearing in ceremony at Government House in Suva after his landslide victory at the 2014 election

Frank Bainimarama arrives for his swearing in ceremony at Government House in Suva Photo: RNZI