Fiji

Dr Luveni died Saturday morning after collapsing at her home.

She was 72.

Dr Luveni was beginning her second term as Speaker after taking up the position in 2014 in Fiji's newly established Parliament following eight years of military-led rule.

She was the first woman to serve in the position in Fiji.

Before entering politics she was a dentist and held other roles in public health, later serving in the Bainimarama-led interim government as Minister of Health and Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation.

MPs from the governing FijiFirst party and the Supervisor of Elections are facing petitions disputing the results of last month's election.

A big screen was placed outside the court buildings to hear proceedings brought by the petitioners, the leaders of the opposition parties, SODELPA and the NFP.

Lawyers for the petitioners said they would be calling eight witnesses before the Court of Disputed Returns including two election candidates, party agents who were at the counting centre and party officials.

The Flying Fijians, who are currently ranked eighth in the world, will begin the defence of their PNC title against the Brave Blossoms in Kamaishi on July 27 while the 'Ikale Tahi will take on the hosts in Hanazono the following weekend.

The two cities will host the Pacific nations during the World Cup, with the Japanese tests are a chance for the cities and fans to build an affinity with their adopted teams, while allowing the hosts to test their readiness just under two months out from the opening match of the tournament.

The FijiFirst government has only slightly reshuffled its front bench after winning another four years in power.

The former head of Fiji's consumer watchdog Premila Kumar takes on the heavyweight portfolios of industry, trade and tourism, local government and housing.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum loses education to Rosy Akbar but retains the role of Attorney General and four other portfolios including economy.

Health has been taken up by newcomer and prominent local surgeon Ifereimi Waqainabete.

Standing in their way is a determined Tongan team who went down to a heavy defeat in the group opener against defending champions New Zealand.

A win today would ease up pressure on Fiji’s ambition of securing a semi-final spot.

Fiji coach Marika Rodu said his team will give everything against Tonga with a spot in the last four is at stake.

“I think we have one shot to qualify into the semi-final against Tonga, we will not take the game lightly, we would like to see that we make it into the semi-finals after Thursday’s game”, the former Suva coach said.

Mr Bainimarama's FijiFirst party will have another four years in power after last week's election.

"I, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama swear that I will be faithful and bare true allegiance for the Republic of Fiji, according to law," Mr Bainimarama said before a gathering of party members, diplomats, senior members of the military and judiciary at the presidential residence, State House.

"And I will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the constitution of the Republic of Fiji, so help me God."

Digicel Founder and Chairman, Denis O’Brien, who was in Fiji last week as part of a tour of Digicel’s Pacific markets, launched the new teleconference facility at the hospital in Suva.

Digicel worked in partnership with the International Women’s Association, a non-profit group to see this milestone project through.

Weather warnings are in place for the whole of Fiji as more than 550,000 voters make their way to the polling booths.

It is a public holiday in Fiji, which is going to the polls for just the second time in 12 years.

Voters have a choice of 233 candidates, from six political parties, vying for 51 seats.

Voters have been urged to double check where they are due to vote or risk being turned away.

Two-thousand police have been deployed and the military is on stand-by.

The police chief is warning rumour-mongers not to create unnecessary fear.

Supporters cheered the SODELPA leader, former prime minister and 1987 coup leader Mr Rabuka as he emerged from the Suva Magistrates Court late this morning.

Mr Rabuka was charged by Fiji's Independent Commission Against Corruption under Fiji's political party regulations - for providing a false declaration of his assets, income and liabilities.

If convicted, he would have been out of the running for the 14 November polls.

Local media report Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama advised President Jioji Konrote to dissolve parliament today.

Bainimarama visited Government House in Suva this morning and he met with President Konrote for about 30 minutes.

Bainimarama returned from New York earlier today.

President Konrote will issue the Writ of Elections on Monday.

Photo file. Caption: A voter casts her vote in the 2014 General Elections in Fiji