Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (74) has retired as Fiji’s President after six-years in office. His successor Jioji Konrote, of Rotuman descent, was sworn in today, 12 November at Government House in Suva.

Fiji Times reported Ratu Epeli “the people’s President”, is a man with many qualities and an inspiration to many Fijians. He received a State Farewell at Government House attended by state officials, diplomats, friends and families on November 11.

Notably absent at the farewell was Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama who was reported to have been ill, and was represented by Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Ratu Epeli said it has been a great honour for him to be part of this generation that has seen their nation transformed and set firm on the path to becoming a modern nation.

"I leave the office of the President confident that Fiji is steadfastly on its way to becoming one the world’s great democracies."

He is expected to be appointed as UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador on 1 December, World Aids Day.

New President

Meanwhile, Jioji Konrote (67) was sworn in as the new President after being elected by parliament.He was the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama posed for photos with the new president.