Elections Turmoil: Allegations of Abuse and Intimidation Heat Up in Fiji

The Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, has lodged a formal complaint against the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Barbara Malimali, citing allegations of abuse of power, harassment, and intimidation. In a detailed letter addressed to FijiLive, Mataiciwa accused the new Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) of several serious offenses.

Mataiciwa outlined that Malimali has allegedly harassed and intimidated her and various members of the Fijian Elections Office, particularly those acting as witnesses in an ongoing case regarding Malimali’s past conduct as Chairperson. According to the complaint, Malimali misused her position to illicitly obtain sensitive and official information from her former office, subsequently using that information in efforts to intimidate both the Fijian Elections Office and Mataiciwa.

The complaint references a raid conducted by FICAC on the Electoral Commission Office in September, indicating that assistance had been requested from the Fijian Elections Office’s legal team. Mataiciwa stressed that Malimali appears to be executing a personal agenda to discredit the Elections Office’s witnesses, calling it a “witch-hunt” aimed at obstructing justice.

Mataiciwa went on to assert that the actions of Malimali violate constitutional rights afforded to witnesses, emphasizing the severity of the allegations as breaches of sections 190(d) and (e) of the Crimes Act 2009. She has urged the Fiji Police Force to take immediate action to investigate Malimali’s conduct and to hold her accountable for the purported criminal actions.

The situation reflects ongoing tensions within Fijian electoral governance and raises critical concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. As this case unfolds, it is imperative for all parties involved to adhere to principles of transparency and justice.

This case highlights the importance of protecting witnesses in legal proceedings as well as the need for accountability in public office. As investigations proceed, there is hope for a resolution that reinforces the rule of law and upholds the rights of individuals within the electoral system.