Ratu Viliame Seruvakula elected as GCC Chair

Former Republic of Fiji Military Forces 3 FIR Commanding Officer and Wainibuka, Tailevu Chief, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula is the new chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs.

Ratu Viliame was elected by members of the GCC at their meeting in Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort in Pacific Harbour.

Ratu Viliame had played a significant part in defending Queen Elizabeth Barracks during the 2000 coup and mutiny.

He later joined the New Zealand Army, and then the United Nations Department for Safety and Security.

Ratu Viliame got 27 votes.

Meanwhile, Ratu Meli Saukuru the nominee from the Burebasaga Confederacy was nominated for first Vice Chairperson with 10 votes and the Tovata Confederacy nominee, Ratu Jone Golea Lalabalavu became the second Vice Chair with 8 votes.

There was one invalid vote.

The voting was supervised and assisted by the Fijian Elections Office.

iTaukei Affairs Permanent Secretary, Pita Tagicakirewa says if the Chair vacates the seat before the end of his or her term, the first Vice Chair will take over as Chair for the duration of the time left.

Tagicakirewa says after electing the Chair, they have discussed the procedures but one more item is left to be discussed today before proceeding with the meeting.

The GCC meeting continues today.