Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Sitiveni Rabuka, has announced that 29 individuals have submitted applications for the vacant Commissioner of Police position.
Rabuka made this announcement during the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting held at Vuci Village in Tokatoka yesterday. The vacancy arose following the resignation of former Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in early August, who was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted on abuse of office charges.
Mr. Rabuka confirmed that the Constitutional Offices Commission will convene soon to review the 29 applications. Currently, the role of acting Commissioner of Police is occupied by Juki Fong Chew. While Chew has not publicly declared his interest in the permanent position, former Deputy Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has confirmed his application and expressed his respect for any decision made by the Commission.
Additionally, retired Deputy Commissioner Itendra Nair and former senior officer Unaisi Vuniwaqa have also shown interest in the role. As of October 11, Rabuka indicated that the meeting has been delayed due to Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu being out of the country. Seruiratu left on October 10 to participate in the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, and is expected to return in ten days, having traveled with the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The 29 candidates will now await the proceedings of the Constitutional Offices Commission. Members of the Commission include Rabuka, government representative Jon Apted, Cema Bolabola, Seruiratu, opposition representative Tupou Draunidalo, and Attorney-General Graham Leung.