Nikenike Vurobaravu | |
|---|---|
.png) Vurobaravu in 2022 | |
| 10thPresident of Vanuatu | |
| Assumed office 23 July 2022 | |
| Prime Minister | Bob Loughman Ishmael Kalsakau Sato Kilman Charlot Salwai Jotham Napat |
| Preceded by | Tallis Obed Moses Seoule Simeon(acting) |
| High Commissioner of Vanuatu toFiji | |
| In office 12 October 2017 – 23 July 2022 | |
| Succeeded by | Viranria Brown |
| In office 2014–2015 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1951-12-03)3 December 1951 (age 73) New Hebrides (nowVanuatu) |
| Political party | Vanua'aku Pati |
| Spouse | Rima Vurobaravu |
| Children | Four |
| Alma mater | University of the South Pacific (BA) University of Westminster (MA) |
Nikenike Vurobaravu (born 3 December 1951[1][2][3]) is a Vanuatuan diplomat and politician who has served asPresident of Vanuatu since 23 July 2022. Previously having been employed in numerous diplomatic and government positions, including as the first resident High Commissioner toFiji, he was elected as president during the eighth round of the2022 Vanuatuan presidential election in July 2022.[4][5] He is a member of theVanua'aku Pati (VP) political party.[6][7]
Vurobaravu is married toRima Vurobaravu, fromMalo island,Sanma Province, with whom he has four children.[8][9][10]
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from theUniversity of the South Pacific (USP) inFiji in 1977.[10] Vurobaravu also obtained his Master of Arts degree indiplomatic studies from theUniversity of Westminster in the United Kingdom in 1993.[9][11] He specialized in development cooperation, foreign policy analysis, and the management of diplomatic missions while studying at the University of Westminster.[9]
Vurobaravu served as the coordinator of the Vanuatu Comprehensive Reform Program for theAsian Development Bank.[11] He also served as apolitical adviser in thePrime Minister's Office from 2008 to 2010.[11]
In February 2014, Vurobaravu was appointed asHigh Commissioner of Vanuatu toFiji, becoming the country's first-ever resident High Commissioner to reside inSuva in history.[6][11][7][12] However, he was recalled to Vanuatu by the then-government in 2015.[12][13] On 12 October 2017, President Tallis Obed Moses appointed Vurobaravu to a second term as High Commissioner to Fiji.[13] Vurobaravu presented his credentials to Fijian PresidentJioji Konrote on 14 November 2017.[13]
At the eighth round of voting in the2022 Vanuatuan presidential election, parliament elected Vurobaravu, the country's 12th president, earning 47 out of 58 electoral votes. The previous seven rounds saw no candidate gain a majority of votes; however, Vurobaravu negotiated with nine members of former prime ministerCharlot Salwai's coalition party, who agreed to support him, thus enabling Vurobaravu to win the presidency.[6]
On 18 August 2022, Vurobaravu dissolved parliament midway through the parliamentary term at the request of prime ministerBob Loughman, who advised the dissolution to avoid ano confidence vote. The motion sparked criticism from the opposition, and opposition leaderRalph Regenvanu announced that the opposing parties would contest the dissolution in court.[14] Asnap election was subsequently held.[15]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | President of Vanuatu 2022–present | Incumbent |
|
| International | |
|---|---|
| Other | |
