Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Biman Prasad

Statesman and former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is the new Speaker of Parliament.

In a secret ballot this morning in Parliament, Ratu Epeli’s appointment was confirmed with 30 votes in his favour.

Ratu Epeli has previously served in the Speaker role from 2001 to 2005, a spur of the moment appointment then, after accompanying his wife Adi Koila Mara to be sworn in as a senator.

“So I want to emphasize that, that I am here as the servant of this house and I look forward to working with you all.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Ratu Epeli was a standout choice.

“It’s good, we are very honoured to have him as a Speaker and we all know that he’s going to do a good job.”

It was also somewhat a bipartisan choice with the National Federation Party throwing their votes behind Ratu Epeli’s nomination.

NFP Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says they were simply using their prerogative.

“As you know the National Federation Party is a party in Opposition. We make our own decisions and on this issue, the party made a decision to support Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as the Speaker of Parliament.”

Opposition Nominee Tanya Waqanika was defeated having attained 21 votes.