Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he has not yet received any official notification regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This situation arises after Ms. Malimali was appointed as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on September 4. Her appointment has sparked controversy as she was under investigation by FICAC.
Rabuka emphasized that any resignation should be communicated to the commission that appointed her to her position, noting, “We should be notified. So far, the secretary of the commission has not informed the chair. I will wait for him to notify me.”
While Ms. Malimali has confirmed her resignation from the chairperson role at the EC, she did not disclose any further information regarding the matter.
The Commission on Appointments (COC) is a mandated advisory body established under the 2013 Constitution, tasked with recommending names and providing advice to the President for key public office appointments. This includes positions such as the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the chairperson and members of the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections, Parliament Secretary-General, chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission, Commissioner of Police, Fiji Correction Services Commissioner, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Auditor-General, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.