Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he has not yet received an official notification regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This comes after Malimali was appointed as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on September 4, a move that has sparked controversy due to her ongoing investigation by FICAC.
Rabuka emphasized that the resignation should be formally communicated to the commission, which appointed Malimali to her position as chair of the Electoral Commission. He noted that, to his knowledge, the secretary of the commission had not yet informed him or the commission about the resignation. “I will wait for him to notify me,” Rabuka added.
Malimali has confirmed her resignation from the position of EC chairperson but has not provided further details about the matter.
The Commission on Constitutional (COC) is an advisory body established under the 2013 Constitution, tasked with recommending candidates and providing advice to the President regarding appointments for critical public office positions. These roles include the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the chair and members of the Electoral Commission, and other significant positions such as the Supervisor of Elections, the Secretary-General of Parliament, the Public Service Commission chair and members, the Commissioner of Police, the Fiji Correction Services Commissioner, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Auditor-General, and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.