Jurelang Zedkaia
| Jurelang Zedkaia | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| President of the Marshall Islands | |
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In office 2 November 2009 – 10 January 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Ruben Zackhras (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Christopher Loeak |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
13 July 1950 Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands |
| Died | 7 October 2015 (aged 65) Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands |
| Political party | Kien Eo Am |
| Spouse(s) | Hannah Jurelang Zedkaia |
Jurelang Zedkaia (13 July 1950 – 7 October 2015) was a Marshallese politician and Iroijlaplap. He served as the President of the Marshall Islands from 2009 to 2012. He was elected as the country's 5th head of state on October 26, 2009, following the ouster of his predecessor, Litokwa Tomeing, in the country's first successful vote of no confidence.
Zedkaia was the Iroijlaplap, or traditional paramount chief, of Majuro Atoll, which is the location of the country's capital. Before becoming president in 2009, Zedkaia was a five-term elected Senator in the Nitijela, or legislature. He became vice speaker of the Nitijela, before becoming the Speaker of the legislature in January 2008.
Zedkaia worked in pharmacy for 15 years and 6 years in the Majuro Atoll Local Government. Zedikaia entered the Ntijela in 1981 as representative and senator of Majuro Attol, a post he has served in the duration of his time in the Nitijela.
Zedkaia's predecessor, Litokwa Tomeing was defeated in a vote of no confidence on October 21, 2009, in a motion led by former president Kessai Note. The ouster of President Tomeing marked the first successful vote of no confidence in Marshallese history.
A presidential election, whose outcome is determined by the 33-member Nitijela, took place on October 26, 2009. Speaker Zedkaia and former President Kessai Note were the only candidates for the presidency. Zedkaia was elected president on October 26, 2009, defeating Note in by 17-15, giving Zedkaia the one-vote minimum majority needed to win. He was sworn into office on November 2, 2009.
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