Bikenibeu Paeniu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Rt Hon Bikenibeu Paeniu (born May 10, 1956 Bikenibeu, Tarawa, in the former Gilbert Islands) is a politician from Tuvalu. He has served twice as Prime Minister of Tuvalu.

Contents

[edit] Early political career

Paeniu made his entrance on the political scene in 1989, when he won a seat in the Parliament of Tuvalu following a by-election.

[edit] First term as Prime Minister

Later that year, he challenged incumbent Prime Minister Tomasi Puapua in the general election - and won.

He was narrowly defeated by Kamuta Latasi in an election of 1993.

[edit] Second term as Prime Minister, and flag issue

However, he replaced Latasi in 1996.

In his second premiership term, an issue which arose was the controversy surrounding the design of the national flag of Tuvalu. Paeniu successfully led moves to revert the flag to a previously used design which included the British Union Jack. Paeniu is less overtly republican in inclination than Latasi.

On April 13, 1999, he was forced out of office due to a vote of no confidence. Paeniu did lead the caretaker government until Ionatana Ionatana was elected on April 26.

[edit] Later political career

He currently sits as a Member of Parliament, representing the constituency of Nukulaelae island. In addition, he served as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in the five-person Cabinet of Saufatu Sopoanga.

[edit] Historical note

Paeniu is the first and only Tuvaluan so far to serve as Prime Minister for two non-consecutive terms.

[edit] References


v • d • e
Prime Ministers of Tuvalu

]

 This Tuvaluan biographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.


 This article about a Oceanian politician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.