New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sitiveni Rabuka on his election as Prime Minister of Fiji and said he looks forward to working together with the leader to further strengthen the close and long-standing relations between the countries.

“Congratulations @slrabuka on your election as the Prime Minister of Fiji. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the close and long-standing relations between India and Fiji,” PM Modi tweeted.

Congratulations @slrabuka on your election as the Prime Minister of Fiji. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the close and long-standing relations between India and Fiji.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2022

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Sitiveni Rabuka was sworn in as Fiji’s prime minister on Saturday. He is the leader of the People’s Alliance, a political party in Fiji formed in 2021.

Rabuka was elected by 28 votes on the floor of parliament, whereas Fiji First Leader Frank Bainimarama garnered 27 votes.

He won the nomination after forming a majority coalition with two other smaller parties following last week’s close and contentious election result. He locked in the coalition deal to form a government on Friday afternoon, after successfully wooing the kingmaker Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA).

Following the alliance formed, Rabuka clinched victory for the next term, marking the end of 16 years of leadership under Frank Bainimarama who seized power in a 2006 military coup, according to ABC news.

For the first time in 16 years, Fijians are preparing to welcome a new prime minister. The last two democratic elections in Fiji were won by Bainimarama’s Fiji First party.