Epeli Nailatikau

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau LVO, OBE, KSTJ ( born July 5, 1941) is the President of Fiji.

Epeli Nailatikau served over 20 years in the armed forces of Fiji, and brought it up to brigadier general before he began a diplomatic career, which he pursued over 17 years. As an ambassador of the Republic of the Fiji Islands in London, he was also responsible for Germany. Since 1999 he has been active in politics, first as Speaker of the House from 2001, and later in various ministerial offices.

On 17 April 2009 the military regime of Frank Bainimarama Nailatikau appointed vice-president. Since the resignation and the forced retirement of 88 -year-old President Josefa Iloilo on 30 July 2009 Nailatikau was also acting President. On 5 November 2009 the Cabinet the appointment of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau agreed to the president.

For the first time the president was not elected by the Great Council of Chiefs Great Council of Chiefs (GCC ), but nominated by Anthony Gates, the President of the Supreme Court and confirmed by the Cabinet. Bainimarama had more or less forced the cabinet open to the election of former military president.

" Ratu " is the Fijian name for a chief.

Awards

• 2013 Knight of the Order of Saint John ( KStJ )