Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that he has not yet received official notification regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This announcement comes after Ms. Malimali was appointed 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 at the time. Rabuka remarked, “The resignation should be communicated to the commission, which appointed her as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission. We need to be informed. To my knowledge, the secretary of the commission has not yet notified the chair. I will wait for him to do so.”
Although Ms. Malimali confirmed her resignation from the position of EC chairperson, she did not offer any additional information regarding the matter.
The Committee on Constitutional Offices (COC) serves as an advisory body under the 2013 Constitution, responsible for suggesting candidates and providing recommendations to the President for key public office appointments. These positions include the chairperson and members of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections, the Secretary-General of Parliament, members of the Public Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Services, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Auditor-General, and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.