The Marshall Islands Inaugurates a New President

Opening of the Nitijela on November 2, 2009.  Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Majuro.

Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2009) – After two previously unsuccessful votes of no-confidence in the Marshall Islands Nitijela (Parliament), President Litokwa Tomeing was removed on October 21, 2009, as the Fourth President of the Marshall Islands after a third vote of no-confidence. The former President continues in the Nitijela as the Senator from Wotje Atoll until the end of his elected term.

Swearing  in of President Jurelang Zedkaia.  Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Majuro.

On the inauguration on November 2, 2009, the former Speaker of the Nitijela, Zedkaia Jurelang, one of the five Senators from Majuro Atoll, was sworn in as the Fixth President of the Marshall Islands. Alvin Jacklick, one of the two Senators from Jaluit Atoll, was sworn in as the new Speaker, and a new Cabinet was also sworn in.

The Marshall Islands Government operates under a Westminster form of government.