Frank Bainimarama sworn in as Fiji's Prime Minister

Mr Bainimarama sworn in as PM. Photo credit: FBC

Fiji's former military commander  Frank Bainimarama has been sworn into office as prime minister by Fiji's President  at a ceremony in Suva after a landslide win in Fiji's first election in eight years, Radio New Zealand reports. 

He claimed victory on Sunday after winning a 60 percent share of the vote with 32 seats in the 50 member parliament.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau received the leader at Government House where he took the Oath of Office before a gathering of diplomats and other dignitaries.

"I, Josiah Voreke Bainimarama, being appointed as Prime Minister, swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Fiji, and that I will again observe and uphold from this day the constitution of the Republic of Fiji and all other laws of Fiji, and I solemnly and sincerely promise to hold my office with honour, dignity and integrity."

The former military commander has been ruling Fiji by decree since he seized power in 2006.

He handed over the reins of the military earlier this year, running for election against six other parties under a new electoral system.

Earlier he told supporters Fiji now has a democratically elected parliamentary government that would deliver good governance and transparency.