Fiji's former Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has passed away, the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) confirmed Thursday.
Madraiwiwi died after a short illness and traditional protocols have been invoked at his chiefly village, the FBC said.
Madraiwiwi was a lawyer. He served as Fiji's vice president from 2004 to 2006. For the past two years, Madraiwiwi served as chief justice of Nauru, Fiji's neighbor country.
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa have sent their condolences to Madraiwiwi's family.
