The ongoing controversy surrounding Barbara Malimali has intensified, as Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa has filed a police report against the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The report, submitted on November 28, 2024, to Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, alleges abuse of office, alongside claims of intimidation and harassment directed at witnesses involved in the investigation.
This incident arises in the context of a separate inquiry being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into Ms. Malimali. Specifically, the CID is examining allegations of misconduct during her tenure as chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Mr. Chew confirmed that the report has been received and investigations are currently in progress. In her comments, Ms. Mataiciwa indicated that her decision to report was motivated by recent communications from the Secretary to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) and the Chief Registrar’s Office, which both raised concerns regarding complaints made by Ms. Malimali.
Ms. Mataiciwa expressed concern that Ms. Malimali’s actions, especially given her role as a vital witness in an ongoing CID investigation, constituted intimidation and harassment. Meanwhile, the situation is further complicated by a complaint lodged against Ms. Malimali by Francis Puleiwai, a former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who alleges that she misused her authority to issue a stop departure order earlier this year.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the complexities and challenges of governance and oversight within Fiji’s electoral system, with several parties now embroiled in investigations and responding to conflicting allegations.
In summary, the situation represents a significant moment in Fiji’s political landscape, where the integrity of its electoral process is being rigorously tested. It is a reminder of the ongoing need for accountability in government institutions, and it illustrates that the scrutiny can ultimately lead to reform and improved practices moving forward. The hope is that through these investigations, clarity and justice can restore trust in the electoral process and in public offices.
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