Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka (74), was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Fiji this afternoon, after narrowly winning a secret ballot in parliament, getting 28 votes to the incumbent Frank Bainimarama's 27.

Rabuka, the leader of the People’s Alliance Political Party (PAP), becomes Fiji's 12th prime minister. The two time coup-leader, won the nomination after forming a majority coalition with two other smaller parties following a contentious election result last week.

Rabuka now heads a three-party coalition government consisting of his People's Alliance, the National Federation Party led by Biman Prasad and the Sodelpa Party, led by Viliame Gavoka.

Voreqe Bainimarama, the leader of the Fiji First and Fiji’s Prime Minister for 16 years, now heads the opposition.

The Fijian Parliament convened in Suva this morning to vote for the Prime Minister. Parliamentary Speaker Naiqama Lalabalavu announced the result of the secret ballot, 28-27.

The Fiji Parliament has 55 seats.

The 29 members of the People’s Alliance Party, National Federation Party and the Social Democratic Liberal Party are:

People’s Alliance Party: Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, Lynda Diseru Tabuya, Charan Jeath Singh, Filimoni Wainiqolo Rasokisoki Vosarogo, Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica, Isikeli Tuiwailevu, Iliesa Sovui Vanawalu, Siromi Dokonivalu Turaga, Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Jese Saukuru, Ratu Rakuita Solesole Sauramaeva Vakalalabure, Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, Jovesa Rokuta Vocea, Sakiusa Tubuna, Vatimi Tidara Tuinasakea Kaunitawake Rayalu , Ro Filipe Qaraniqio Tuisawau, Tomasi Niuvotu Tunabuna, Sakiasi Raisevu Ditoka, Esrom Yosef Immanuel, Kalaveti Vodo Ravu, Alitia Vakatai Bavou Cirikiyasawa Bainivalu.

National Federation Party: Biman Chand Prasad, Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, Agni Deo Singh, Pio Tikoduadua, Sashi Kiran

Social Democratic Liberal Party: Viliame Rogoibulu Gavoka, Ifereimi Vasu, Aseri Masivou Radrodro.

The 26 members of the Fiji First Party: Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Parveen Kumar Bala, Mahendra Reddy, Hem Chand, Ratu Josaia Bulavakarua Niudamu, Rinesh Rajesh Sharma, Alvick Avhikrit Maharaj, Rosy Sofia Akbar, Vijay Nath, Ioane Naivalurua, Inia Batikoto Seruiratu, Shalen Kumar, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Premila Devi Kumar, Jone Usamate, Viam Pillay, Sanjay Salend Kirpal, Joseph Nitya Nand, Semi Tuleca Koroilavesau, Ifereimi Waqainabete, Viliame Naupoto, Aliki Bia, Naisa Tatau Tuinaceva, Mosese Drecala Bulitavu, Ketan Kirit Lal.