The situation surrounding Barbara Malimali has escalated significantly, as Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has filed a police report against the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The report was submitted on November 28, 2024, to Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew and includes allegations of abuse of office, intimidation, and harassment of witnesses.
This complaint is associated with a current investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) concerning Ms. Malimali. Her appointment is under scrutiny by a Commission of Inquiry, while the CID is also probing accusations of misconduct during her time as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).
Acting Police Commissioner Chew has acknowledged the report and confirmed that investigations are now in progress. Ms. Mataiciwa explained her decision to file the complaint stemmed from recent requests for clarification from the Secretary to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) and the Chief Registrar’s Office regarding Ms. Malimali’s allegations against her, which claimed that Ms. Mataiciwa had aided in Ms. Malimali’s arrest.
Ms. Mataiciwa emphasized that the intimidation and harassment stem from Ms. Malimali’s role as a key witness in the ongoing CID investigation. Furthermore, Francis Puleiwai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, has also filed a complaint against Ms. Malimali, accusing her of overstepping her authority by imposing a stop departure order earlier this year. This case has also been directed to the CID for further investigation.
As investigations continue, this complex scenario highlights the intertwining legal and ethical challenges faced by officials within the electoral system. It’s important to recognize that these proceedings are part of a larger effort to uphold integrity and accountability within the electoral framework.
Summary: Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has lodged a police report against the FICAC Commissioner, citing abuse of office and harassment, amid an ongoing CID investigation into former chairperson Barbara Malimali. The case underscores concerns about misconduct within key electoral roles, with investigations currently active.
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