Communication Breakdown: Concerns Over Transparency in Fiji’s Electoral Commission Resignation

In a recent session of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition and a member of the Constitutional Offices Commission (CoC), expressed significant concerns regarding systemic communication failures within the CoC. He pointed out that he learned of the resignation of Barbara Malimali, who stepped down as chair of the Electoral Commission, through a newspaper article dated September 17, 2024, rather than through official channels. This lack of communication raises questions about the procedural integrity of the Commission, which is responsible for overseeing important public appointments.

Seruiratu emphasized that he did not receive any correspondence regarding Malimali’s resignation directly from the CoC, underscoring a troubling gap in information sharing. He described the processes surrounding both her resignation and the appointment to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) as hasty, suggesting that this hastiness has fueled suspicions of political manipulation.

These recent developments come in the wake of multiple high-profile discussions surrounding Malimali’s abrupt transition from her role at the Electoral Commission to her new appointment at FICAC. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who chairs the CoC, had previously indicated the need for improved communication and acknowledged that he was only informed of Malimali’s resignation ten days after it took effect. He received the confirmation via email from the CoC secretariat on September 14, raising further questions about the handling of such pivotal transitions.

Seruiratu’s call for a thorough investigation reflects a broader concern among political figures regarding the transparency of appointment processes in critical government roles. As discussions continue, it is hoped that these inquiries will not only clarify the circumstances surrounding Malimali’s resignation but will also pave the way for improved governance practices in the future. The pursuit of accountability in public office remains a cornerstone for restoring trust and ensuring procedural propriety in Fiji’s political landscape.