The retirement of the Fiji’s President, Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda was announced yesterday afternoon by the army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
The Fiji Times reported that Commodore Bainimarama made the announcement at a press conference after earlier visiting Ratu Josefa at Government House earlier yesterday.
Ratu Josefa will take his leave on Thursday and will not return to office.
Vice President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will be acting in the position until a new president is sworn in.
Commodore Bainimarama said the new president will be appointed by the chief justice upon the recommendation of the Cabinet.
No details were given on when Cabinet will meet to decide on a president.
Ratu Josefa was appointed in December 2000 by the Great Council of Chiefs and has served since then except for a brief period from December 5, 2006 to January 4, 2007 when Commodore Bainimara held presidential powers.
Also holding the chiefly title of Tui Vuda, Ratu Josefa at 88 years was the world's oldest head of state.
A teacher by profession, Ratu Josefa was a former vice president of the Methodist Church from 1997 to 1998.
He was also a senator in the 1990s.