The ongoing Barbara Malimali case has shifted dramatically, with Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa filing a police report against the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This report, submitted on November 28, 2024, to Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, alleges serious misconduct including abuse of office, intimidation, and harassment of witnesses.
This complaint is tied to an active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) concerning Ms. Malimali. In addition, the CID is looking into claims of misconduct during her time as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). Mr. Chew confirmed that the police are currently conducting investigations into these allegations.
Ms. Mataiciwa explained her decision to file the complaint stemmed from communications received from the Secretary to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) on November 8 and requests from the Chief Registrar’s Office on November 19. According to Ms. Mataiciwa, the COC sought her response regarding a complaint that Ms. Malimali made against her, which implied that Ms. Mataiciwa had played a role in Ms. Malimali’s arrest.
Further complicating the situation, Francis Puleiwai, a former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, has also filed a complaint against Ms. Malimali, claiming she abused her authority to issue a stop departure order. This case has also been referred to the CID for investigation.
While the complexity of these allegations underscores significant tensions within the electoral oversight landscape, it is essential to remember that investigations are now underway. The commitment to transparency and accountability in these proceedings is vital for restoring public trust in the electoral system.
In summary, the situation points to a growing scrutiny of electoral oversight in Fiji, with potential implications for governance and integrity in the future. As these investigations unfold, there is hope that they will lead to meaningful reforms and accountability within the electoral framework.
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