FijiFirst Party leader Voreqe Bainimarama is our Prime Minister.
Mr Bainimarama took his oath yesterday before the President Jioji Konrote at the State House in Suva.
Yesterday’s events brought an end to the first part of the process to put our government in place, and comes in the wake of his party’s victory at the polls last week.
The Electoral Commission had returned the Writ of Elections to the President on Sunday.
Yesterday Mr Bainimarama took his Oath of Allegiance and Oath for Due Execution of Office.
In accordance with Section 93(2) of the 2013 Constitution, Mr Bainimarama was sworn in as the democratically-elected Prime Minister as the leader of the political party which won more than 50 per cent of the total number of seats in Parliament.
Following his swearing in, Mr Bainimarama said his immediate task was to work on his Cabinet line-up.
Yesterday’s event was attended by diplomats, close friends, family members and Government officials.
In the days ahead, interest will no doubt focus on the make-up of Mr Bainimarama’s Cabinet.
FijiFirst won 27 seats and holds the majority in the 51-member parliament. The Social Democratic Liberal Party won 21 seats and National Federation Party won three seats.
There is obviously a lot of interest hovering over potential scenarios.
Yesterday was an important day for the nation. As we move forward, another beautiful part of the process is the fact that there is room for a strong Opposition.
How that works out in Parliament is something to look forward to. Understandably checks and balances are important in this whole process.
One thing is certain, we are on the threshold of what may just turn out to be an exciting period for our nation.
For supporters of the various parties, perhaps this is the time to cast aside differences and unite for our country.
The people have spoken. We have a government chosen by the people.
This is when we must move forward together.
That’s the beauty of democracy.
