Parliament is scheduled to hold a special one-day sitting in October to vote on nominations for the Presidency.

The current term of President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau ends in November.

A career soldier and diplomat, Ratu Epeli has been head of state since 2009.

October 12th on the Parliament calendar has now been earmarked for Presidential nominations..

According to the 2013 Constitution, the Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition will each submit a presidential candidate to the Speaker of the House who will announce the nominees to the House of Representatives…

Parliament will then decide on the country’s next President with a majority vote..

As for the criteria of a presidential nominee, the constitution stipulates

(a) that the person should have or has had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sector;

(b) holds only a Fijian citizenship;

© is not a member of, or holds any office in, any political party;

(d) is not a candidate for election to any other office in the State; and

(e) has not, at anytime during the 6 years immediately before been nominated, been convicted of any offense under the law.

As for nominees tipped for this all important role, is anyone’s guess.

It’s possible Ratu Epeli Nailatikau may be a candidate given he’s effectively served 3 years of the Presidency as articulated under the constitution, 1 term. He is eligible for another.

Speculation though is rife as to who will be the next President.