Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he has not yet received an official notification regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation from her position as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This follows Malimali’s recent appointment as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on September 4.
Her new role has sparked controversy due to her being under investigation by FICAC. Rabuka emphasized that the resignation should be communicated to the commission that appointed her. “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,” he said.
Although Malimali confirmed her resignation from the EC, she did not provide additional details regarding the matter.
The Commission on Appointments (COC) operates as an advisory body as mandated by the 2013 Constitution, responsible for recommending candidates and advising the President on appointments to significant public office positions. This includes roles such as the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections, and several key positions within the police, military, auditor-general, and central banking system of Fiji.