HON. LAISENIA QARASE SWORN IN AS PRIME MINISTER

(May 19th, 2006 No. 148)

Leader of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party and candidate for the Lau Fijian Provincial Communal constituency, the Honourable Laisenia Qarase was yesterday sworn in as the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.

This is Mr Qarase’s second consecutive term as Prime Minister after the general election held in 2001. Prior to that, he was the interim Prime Minister in the caretaker administration that was set up after the coup events of May 2000.

He was sworn in at Government House yesterday as Prime Minister by the President of Fiji H.E Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda as stipulated in the 1997 Constitution.

Mr Qarase held a caucus meeting yesterday morning with not only those from his party but also with the two successful independent candidates, Mr Robin Irwin (member for North Eastern General Communal) and Mr Jioji Konrote (member for Rotuma Communal) who instantly gave their support and willingness to join the SDL party.

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