Doctor Jiko Luveni is Fiji’s first female Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Doctor Luveni was elected unopposed in the first sitting of parliament at the Government Buildings in Suva.
In an interview after chairing the first parliamentary session, Doctor Luveni encouraged more women to get into politics.
She was elected after the 50 parliamentarians took their oaths before the Secretary General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua.
Those taking their parliamentary oaths included Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and Leader of Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa.
Deputy Speaker, Ruveni Nadalo says he was surprised when he was nominated to take up the post this morning however he is ready to take up the challenge.
There were two nominations for the post of Deputy Speaker.
The government side nominated government backbencher, Ruveni Nadalo while the opposition nominated SODELPA parliamentarian, Ratu Viliame Tagivetaua.
Nadalo was voted in with 32 votes.
SODELPA’s Tagivetaua got the 18 votes from the opposition.
SODELPA Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa was elected unopposed as the Leader of Opposition. Her name was nominated by opposition MP, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and seconded by NFP’s opposition MP, Tupou Draunidalo.
President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will address parliament at 10am tomorrow.
