SUVA, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Former President of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was elected the country's parliament speaker on Monday.

Nailatikau, president of Fiji from 2009 to 2015, won 30 votes, against 21 by his opponent Tayna Waqanika, a lawyer.

Speaking in the parliament, Nailatikau said he was there to serve the people of Fiji through the elected members of parliament.

He has had a long career in the military, diplomatic service, and the government. From 2001 to 2006 he served as speaker of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Fiji's assistant Minister for Women, Veena Bhatnagar maintained her role as deputy speaker of the House.