Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he has not yet received official confirmation regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This announcement comes after Ms. Malimali was named the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on September 4.
Her appointment has sparked controversy due to her being under investigation by FICAC. Mr. Rabuka emphasized that any resignation must be formally communicated to the commission, which appointed her. He mentioned, “We should be notified. As far as I’m concerned, as of now the secretary of the commission has not notified the chair. I will wait for him to notify me.”
Ms. Malimali has confirmed her resignation as the chairperson of the EC but has not provided additional information regarding it.
The Commission on Constitutional Democracy (COC) is a mandated advisory body under the 2013 Constitution, responsible for recommending candidates and advising the President on appointments to key public office positions. These include the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the chairperson and members of the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections, and other significant roles within the government and public service sectors.